Locust threat and agricultural protection debate in Riverland, South Australia
What happened
Primary production in Riverland is intensive, with the region enjoying a good season and a crop forecast of 11.6 million tonnes, which could reach 13mt. As the weather warms, a growing locust threat is causing concern. The South Australian Liberals proposed aerial spraying in national parks north of Riverland to protect croppers. The Government of South Australia responded by announcing a $6.5 million preparedness package, which includes $35 per hectare chemical rebates for ground spraying.
From stockjournal.com.au
Why it matters
The potential for a bumper crop is threatened by locusts, which could dampen agricultural output. The debate over spraying methods highlights the tension between protecting crop yields and managing the risks associated with intensive primary production, such as chemical residues and impacts on livestock.
From stockjournal.com.au
Who's involved
- RiverlandRegion of South Australia where primary production is intensive.
- South AustraliaState of Australia containing the Riverland region.
- Andrew WeeksRepresents the economic interests of producers based in the Riverland region.
- state governmentThe state government that announced the $6.5 million preparedness package.
- Government of South AustraliaThe state government that stated aerial spraying carries risks due to intensive production.
Who could feel it
Possible knock-on effectsThese are possibilities Brind reasoned out, not predictions, and not advice. Most are not stated in any report.
- Andrew WeeksSpeculative
Producers in Riverland might see their costs affected by the availability of government funding and chemical rebates.
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The entities involved
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Riverland
region of South Australia
Nothing else this week.
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South Australia
state of Australia