Recently Biosecurity Queensland has made an announcement regarding red imported fire ant treatment in the Lockyer Valley, Scenic Rim and Ipswich regions, occurring from September 2017 to June 2018.

If Biosecurity Queensland is required to treat certified land, ideally the area should be minimised to fire ant risk areas if possible, and indicated on a farm map. The treated areas need to be removed from organic certification for 12 months from last date of bait application, after which the land can regain its previous organic status after soil tests shows nil residues of the treatment.

The active ingredient of the bait is Pyriproxyfen which is designed to sterilise the fire ant queen and can now be tested for in soil samples.

Section 4.7.24 of the Australian Certified Organic Standard 2017 states, in instances of mandatory treatment via government mandated regulation, minimum time periods for recertification shall be 12 months, combined with residue testing which assures that no contaminants remain in the areas so affected.

Section 1.4.2 of the National Standard for Organic and Biodynamic Produce 2016 states where a government authority implements a statutory action plan and prohibited substances and/or practices not consistent with this Standard are applied, the approved certifying organisation may give consideration to reducing, but not less than 12 months, the re-entry requirements for organic and Biodynamic products. Relevant testing of products by a laboratory is required prior to re-entry.

If you have any concerns or questions please contact the ACO office on (07) 3350 5706.

Announcement from Biosecurity Queensland:

As authorised under the Biosecurity Act 2014, Biosecurity Queensland officers will need to access all targeted properties to disperse fire ant bait over lawns, gardens, paddocks and other open areas.

The bait treatment is not harmful to humans or animals as it is specifically targeted at fire ants.

Once your property has been treated, it is vital that you DO NOT water, mow or disturb your lawn, gardens, or paddocks for 48 hours, to allow for foraging fire ants to collect the bait. The active ingredient in the bait breaks down in a matter of days.

Biosecurity Queensland thanks the community for their continued support in this vital campaign to eradicate fire ants from this region.

For more information about fire ant bait treatment and to view the areas targeted for treatment visit www.daf.qld.gov.au/fireants or call Biosecurity Queensland on 13 25 23