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A review of fertilizer regulations by the Fertilizer Industry Federation of Australia (FIFA) has shown major inconsistencies between the States.
FIFA is now calling for a complete overhaul of the regulations governing the fertilizer industry in favour of one consistent system across the country.
Gordon Davis, Chairman of FIFA and General Manager of Incitec Fertilizers, said the inconsistencies with the current regulations began with different definitions of fertilizer in each State.
Then there are differences in content, bagging and disclosure requirements in each State, he said, creating issues for companies supplying markets in several States.
FIFA has identified more than 150 specific differences in fertilizer regulations between States.
However, Mr Davis said the complexity of integrating these different regulations was largely academic, because they were rarely enforced.
"The only evidence we can find of a systematic attempt to match actual product characteristics with the regulations was in Victoria in 1999, when limited testing took place," he said.
"But the inconsistencies mean suppliers end up sending clouded and inconsistent messages to farmers, which really makes it hard for them to make an informed choice."
Mr Davis said consistent fertilizer standards were needed to protect consumers and the environment, while maintaining standards in food safety and occupational health and safety.
"Environmental issues such as protecting the Great Barrier Reef and the Murray Darling Basin are top of mind in many communities, who expect that, as an industry, we should be involved in protecting the environment," he said.
"At a minimum, we believe the fertilizer industry needs to be positioned to give farmers consistent information about the products they are using so they can form appropriate environmental management strategies."
Mr Davis added that standardising fertilizer regulations would also help ensure food safety.
"Farmers are increasingly focused on the quality of the inputs they use in response to demands from their customers," he said.
"In this environment, it is essential for the fertilizer industry to have mandated 'safe' levels for known contaminants, such as heavy metals, in their products and to provide consistent, well understood advice on the risks."
Mr Davis said the investigation by The Sydney Morning Herald newspaper earlier this year into toxic waste in fertilizer highlighted the gap between industry and government.
"There has been a lack of clarity and a lack of ownership about this issue," he said.
"But over the last 12 months, the issue of fertilizer regulation has been FIFA's major focus and we are determined to achieve positive outcomes sooner rather than later."
The Fertilizer Industry Federation of Australia represents all sectors of the fertilizer industry in Australia. Members of FIFA supply 95% of the fertilizers used in Australia, accounting for some five million tonnes.
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