Latest news, updates and innovations in agricultural safety
Farmers and agricultural producers across the Bega Valley now have access to a more convenient and expanded recycling service, with the launch of a new co-located drumMUSTER and bagMUSTER collection cage in Bega. The site marks an important milestone for bagMUSTER, representing its second state expansion beyond Victoria and Tasmania, and bringing the program to New South Wales for the first time in this region.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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 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.
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.
