National Residue Survey

The National Residue Survey is a grain residue testing program which aims to monitor the level of chemical residues in domestic and export grain in Australia. The aim of the program is to maintain and build access to markets and to ensure that Australian grains do not contain chemical residues above the Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs). As part of the program, grain samples are tested from all bulk export shipments and container loading facilities. Domestically, samples are taken from millers, stock feed producers, maltsters, oat processors and oilseed crushers.

The results have shown very low levels of chemical residues above the MRL, with more than 99% of the samples tested clear.

There have been a range of products contributing to the 1% of samples where chemical residues were in excess of the MRL. Flutriafol (the active ingredient of Impact) and Haloxyfop (the active ingredient of Verdict) have been the most common cause for concern.

In the case of Flutriafol, the contamination of grain has been identified as coming from two sources. Firstly, trucks that are carting Impact treated fertiliser and back loading grain and secondly, augers used to treat fertiliser with Impact which are not cleaned prior to out loading grain from farm storages.

In this situation farm and truck hygiene is essential. Ensuring that trucks and augers are thoroughly cleaned before loading and transporting grain, will significantly minimise the risk of contamination.

In the case of Haloxyfop, the contamination appears to originate from late applications to standing or windrowed crops. This practice is not registered and unlikely to be registered in the future, due to residue issues.

This is an industry issue which has the potential to threaten significant export markets, which needs to be addressed by diligent operation at an individual farm business level.