Media Releases

BIO-INSECTICIDE RUNS LOW ON SPRING DEADLINE
Victoria’s organic fruit and vegetable supply is under threat from a feared locust plague in the state’s north because bio-insecticide Green Guard has all but sold out and no new stock will be available until mid to late October.
Shadow Minister for Agriculture and Deputy Leader of The Nationals Peter Walsh said John Brumby had ignored expert advice to ensure sufficient supply was available to control locusts in spring.
“On the first day of the season, organic producers are desperate to find a product suitable for their properties,” Mr Walsh said.
“The Premier is arrogantly threatening that farmers will be prosecuted if they don’t spray locust hatchings, but many organic producers are finding that they can only access spray that will, in effect, destroy their farms’ accreditation and their livelihoods.”
Mr Walsh said the Victorian Liberal Nationals Coalition had warned the government months ago of the pending crisis.
“As usual, the government’s response was last minute and reliable supplies of control products have run dangerously low,” Mr Walsh said.
“John Brumby has failed to guarantee sufficient supplies of biological product and should now be outlining his plan to increase the availability of bio-insecticide for organic producers.
“Instead of funding supply for those on the ground trying to protect the state’s organic food supplies from the locust plague, the Premier has spent $2 million on a shameless self-promoting advertising campaign to tell farmers about a threat they are already well aware of.
“The Brumby Government is more focused on self-promotion and media spin than on controlling the impending locust disaster facing organic farmers,” Mr Walsh said.