APVMA final decision on Paraquat-action required by AgVet retailers
On 23 June 2026, the APVMA finalised its review of the widely used herbicide paraquat. Rejecting calls for a complete prohibition, the regulator maintained national registration based on a weight of evidence assessment regarding Parkinson's disease. However, to mitigate acute environmental and handler risks, the APVMA introduced an immediate manufacturing transition, a permanent ban on backpack sprayers, an 80% slash to broadacre application rates, and mandatory closed-loop engineering controls.
Disaster recovery assistance for the disposal of Group 2 AgVet chemicals
ChemClear is working with the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) to help farmers, primary producers and agribusinesses safely dispose of unwanted agricultural and veterinary chemicals following recent severe weather events. A statewide ChemClear collection is planned across New South Wales, providing chemical users with an opportunity to clear unwanted AgVet chemicals from their properties. Registrations for the collection close on 31 August 2026.
ChemClear collections successfully completed across Queensland, South Australia and Western Australia
ChemClear has successfully completed its recent collections across Queensland, South Australia and parts of Western Australia, helping Australian farmers and agricultural businesses safely dispose of unwanted and obsolete agricultural chemicals. Every litre collected represents unwanted AgVet chemicals that have been safely removed from farms, helping reduce storage risks, protect people and the environment.
Upcoming ChemClear collection for New South Wales: Register by 31 August 2026
Agsafe has announced a ChemClear collection for New South Wales, providing farmers and agribusinesses with the opportunity to safely dispose of unwanted or obsolete agricultural and veterinary (AgVet) chemicals. Registrations are now open and will close on 31 August 2026. Registering before the deadline ensures your chemicals are included in the upcoming collection, helping reduce on-farm risks and support responsible chemical stewardship.
Agsafe launches new Industry Standards for the AgVet chemical industry
The new Agsafe Industry Standards officially came into effect on 1 July 2026, providing Australia's agricultural and veterinary (AgVet) chemical industry with a modern framework for safe, compliant and responsible chemical operations. and responsible chemical operations. The Standards represent the next evolution of Agsafe's long-standing commitment to improving safety, stewardship and industry best practice.
Northern Midlands farmers encouraged to recycle AgVet drums at upcoming drumMUSTER collection
Farmers and producers across Tasmania's Northern Midlands are being encouraged to take advantage of an upcoming drumMUSTER collection event on 25 June 2026, providing a free and convenient opportunity to safely dispose of empty agricultural and veterinary (AgVet) chemical drums.
bagMUSTER expands into Tasmania, marking first new state rollout
Agsafe is pleased to announce that bagMUSTER has officially expanded into Tasmania, marking the program’s first rollout into a new state since its establishment. Collection sites are beginning to open across Tasmania, with more scheduled over the coming months. All sites are co-located with existing drumMUSTER collection points, providing added convenience for producers who can return bags and drums in a single visit.
SFMCA and FIAAA join bagMUSTER in strong show of industry support
Agsafe welcomes the Stock Feed Manufacturers’ Council of Australia (SFMCA) and the Feed Ingredients and Additives Association of Australia (FIAAA) as participating associations in the bagMUSTER program — a step that reflects growing industry support for sustainable polypropylene (PP) bag recycling.
APVMA Update: Suspension and Restrictions on Certain Rodenticide Products
Agsafe wishes to inform members of a recent update from the APVMA regarding second generation anticoagulant rodenticide products. For second generation anticoagulant rodenticide products, the permits are to be suspended for a year starting 24/03/2026 for a significant range of products that contain actives Broadifacoum, Bromadiolone, Difenacoum, Difenialone and Flocoumafen.
Agsafe launches inaugural Product Stewardship Week (16-22 March 2026)
Agsafe is proud to announce the launch of its inaugural Product Stewardship Week, taking place 16–22 March 2026. The national digital initiative is dedicated to recognising, strengthening and celebrating product stewardship programs across Australian agriculture. The week will highlight the leadership shown by industry in managing products responsibly throughout their lifecycle and reinforce the sector’s ongoing commitment to environmental protection, human health and sustainable farming practices.
Safe chemical storage and disposal in changing conditions
Extreme weather events such as bushfires, floods and severe storms can place additional pressure on how agricultural and veterinary (AgVet) chemicals are stored and managed. While these events can be unpredictable, taking a proactive approach to chemical storage and disposal can help reduce risks to people, property and the environment. A well-planned storage area is the foundation of safe chemical management.
Reducing risks around forklifts and mobile equipment
Recent safety alerts highlight serious incidents involving forklifts and other mobile vehicles, including roll-away accidents and collisions with pedestrians. We've outlined a few practical steps to help keep your site and workers safe.
bagMUSTER expansion supported by planned new onshore recycling infrastructure
bagMUSTER is set to expand across Victoria, with a pathway to national rollout, following the announcement of a project to develop new onshore recycling infrastructure that will support the collection and recycling of tens of thousands of agricultural bulk bags each year.
Workplace safety updates for AgVet businesses
Several significant regulatory changes have been introduced in recent months, impacting various aspects of workplace safety and compliance. Whilst most of these sit outside of the scope of Agsafe Industry Standard, below is a list of information that your business may need to consider and seek further guidance from the regulator or an external reliable consultant.
Agsafe announces ChemClear collection for South Australia: Register by 31 March 2026
Agsafe has scheduled a ChemClear collection in South Australia, giving farmers and agribusinesses the chance to safely dispose of unwanted or obsolete AgVet chemicals. Registrations are open until 31 March 2026. By registering, participants will be included in this collection, helping reduce on-farm risks and ensuring chemicals are managed responsibly.
bagMUSTER diverts nearly 25 tonnes of plastic from landfill in two Melbourne collections
bagMUSTER has successfully diverted nearly 25 tonnes of agricultural plastic packaging from landfill through two recent fee-for-service collections in Melbourne. The initiative highlights the program’s commitment to providing partners with reliable, large-scale recycling solutions that reduce waste and support a more sustainable future for Australian agriculture.
bagMUSTER modelling scenario: Baling for impact – reducing transport costs and emissions
In a recent modelling scenario, bagMUSTER examined the benefits of transporting agricultural polypropylene bulk bags in baled form, rather than loosely packed or lightly compressed using wool presses. The results were compelling—baling delivers measurable gains in both efficiency and sustainability.
ChemClear collection coming to Western Australia: Register by 31 January 2026
If you’ve got unwanted or outdated AgVet chemicals sitting in the shed, now’s your chance to clear them out safely. Agsafe is running a ChemClear collection in Western Australia to help farmers and agribusinesses get rid of chemicals they no longer need — the right way. Register your chemicals by 31 January 2026 to be included in the upcoming collection. It’s a simple way to tidy up the farm, stay safe, and do the right thing by your land.
Agsafe announces ChemClear collection in Queensland: Register your chemicals by 12 September 2025
Agsafe is pleased to announce a ChemClear collection event in Queensland, providing agricultural producers and businesses the opportunity to safely and responsibly dispose of unwanted or obsolete agricultural chemicals. The deadline for chemical registrations is Friday, 12 September 2025, and we encourage all Queensland producers and agricultural businesses to register and take advantage of this opportunity — ensuring a safer, cleaner farm environment for everyone.
bagMUSTER is expanding—now’s the time to join the movement
Australia’s first not-for-profit, industry-led stewardship program dedicated to the collection and recycling of agricultural plastic bags—bagMUSTER—is expanding, and the call to action is clear. Now is the perfect time for suppliers, manufacturers, retailers, and importers to join this important initiative and become leaders in agricultural sustainability.