Chemical briefing for farmers

A MEETING will be held in Cranbourne next week to discuss plans by the Federal Government to restrict access to chemicals and fertilisers.
A recent briefing heard new regulations to limit the availability of dozens of chemicals considered of interest to terrorist groups by the Government would not be in place until 2009.
The Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) says farmers are concerned restricting their access to fertilisers could destroy their livelihood.
Next Thursday, 22 February, farmers will meet with the Department of Premier and Cabinet to find out what is being proposed in the ‘chemicals of security concern’ discussion paper.
VFF AgVet Chemicals Committee chair Geoff Kendell said the VFF had sought additional meetings to ensure farmers had an opportunity to be consulted.
“Now it is up to the farmers,” he said.
“If they feel strongly that proposed restrictions on agricultural chemicals and fertilisers is not the way to go, then they need to go to the meetings and have their say.”
“It is time for grass roots farmers to let the Government know how they feel about the increasing regulatory burdens being placed upon them.
“Farmers are at the end of the chain and seem to be the ones who are always paying to make the community happier and safer.”
The meeting will be held next Thursday from 7pm to 9pm at the Sandhurst Club at 680 Thompsons Rd, Lyndhurst.
Register with Maree Jekic on 9217 4177 or email security.chemicals@dpi.vic.gov.au.
Submissions on the discussion paper close on 1 March.