Pesticide Action Australia

22/08/2025

It's hard to believe, but many blueberry muffins or berry smoothies sold in Australia would be illegal in at least 38 other countries.

Why? Dimethoate.

This neurotoxic, endocrine disrupting chemical, which is banned in 38 countries, is approved for spraying on berries in Australia just 24 hours before they are picked and taken to market.

Other internationally-banned neurotoxic pesticides are also approved by the APVMA to be sprayed on Australian berries.

These approvals severely threaten our farmers, pickers and children (as key consumers), as well as Australia's global reputation in the export market.

What can we do about it?
1️⃣ Protect yourself and loved ones by making informed consumer decisions;
2️⃣ Support farmers transition to practices that protect our health and environment;
3️⃣ Share concerns with supermarkets, as well as local, state and federal parliamentarians;
4️⃣ Feed into the APVMA's public consultation process on dimethoate ➡️ https://www.apvma.gov.au/news-and-publications/public-consultations/proposed-suspension-of-dimethoate-products;
5️⃣ Share the information widely through your networks.

See PAA's submission to the APVMA on dimethoate here on our website ⬇️
https://pesticideaction.org.au/our-statements/

05/06/2025

Once, bogong moths (deberra in Taungurung language) were so plentiful that swarms could "block out the moon" and meteorologists could mistake them for rain. 🌑

Today, following a rapid 99.5% population decline, their loss threatens entire alpine ecosystems and the critically endangered mountain pygmy possum.

➡️ A key contributor to their decline is .

Our Government recognises that:
1️⃣ pesticides are a source of pollution driving change and
2️⃣ Australia has one of the highest extinction rates in the world.

It has also set ambitious 2030 zero new extinctions and pollution reduction targets as part of its Strategy for Nature and commitments under the Global Biodiversity Framework. ✅

➡️ Targets and commitments are great, but what we need is action.

Actions can start small, individual bogong moth small, like going pesticide-free at home. 🌿

Then, there is so much we can do collectively, as a swarm, to make a big difference. Check out our website to find out more ➡️ https://pesticideaction.org.au/takeaction/

🔎 If you see a bogong moth, upload a photo to the moth tracker! https://www.zoo.org.au/moth-tracker/

Visit the post for more.

10/04/2025

A big thanks to Parkinson's Australia for hosting us at the Parkinson’s Australia National Conference this week in Canberra.

We met with so many people who sadly link their Parkinson’s with childhood and occupational exposure to pesticides.

We heard from neurologist David Blacker about the evidence base for banning paraquat in Australia, a pesticide that has been banned in 70 countries around the world including those that produce and manufacture it.

And we screened this important call to action from Professor Bas Bloem, a world-leading expert on Parkinson’s, whom we thank for his support.

ICYMI, here is the research linking 53 pesticides with Parkinson’s.
➡️ https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-023-38215-z

With 50 Australians being diagnosed every day and 40% in rural areas, the need for preventative action has never been greater.

Together, we can protect our health and environment.

06/03/2025

Risk of childhood increases significantly with exposure to multiple pesticides - new research finds. Of 32 examined, most potent mixes included dicamba, glyphosate and paraquat.

authorises all three.

Pesticide exposure is a issue.

Read more here ➡️

Study on cancer data in US agricultural heartland finds children more at risk than if exposed to just one pesticide

03/02/2025

Thanks to Baw Baw Sustainability Network for sharing our blog on pesticide-free gardening!

Taking action individually at home for a cleaner environment and better health is the first step, taking action together for each other in our shared spaces is the next.

Get involved with Pesticide Action Australia to find out more – there is so much we can do collectively to make a difference.

Happy gardening! 🌿

Natural Strategies for a Healthier Garden

31/01/2025

Toxic berries: Please support Nambucca Environment Network (NEN) with their campaign against pesticide pollution in NSW, Australia.

Support NEN here ➡️ https://buff.ly/40chfDz

https://michaelwest.com.au/pesticides-menace-mars-barnaby-joyce-blueberries/

Poor regulations and bureaucratic corner-cutting threaten ecosystems on the NSW’s Mid-North Coast, risk for blueberry consumers in Australia.

26/01/2025

Neonics: In a win for science and , UK denies emergency use of neonicotinoid based on “robust assessments of environmental, and economic risks and benefits."

EU banned in 2018.

By contrast... still allows use of 6 .

🐝

Emergency use of Cruiser SB, a neonicotinoid pesticide highly toxic to bees, to be outlawed in UK in line with EU

15/01/2025

Australia's Strategy for Nature 2024-2030 names as a major polluter.

'Pollution incl. from chemicals such as pesticides and herbicides, waste and contamination, is driving ecosystem change. It has especially devastating direct effects on freshwater & marine habitats.'

Words ✔️

Action ❓

Find the Strategy online here ➡️ https://buff.ly/4jcVBqd

10/01/2025

Pesticides, including , are a key contributor to Australia's extinction and crisis.

A new study estimates that between 1-3 species of insects and other native invertebrates like worms, snails and spiders, are becoming extinct in Australia every week, and about 9000 have become extinct since European arrival in 1788.

Dr Jess Marsh, co-author of the study, says ➡️ "There's a lot we can do to prevent extinctions, including by protecting important habitats and reducing threats, such as pesticide use."

Find the full study and interviews with the authors here ⬇️ https://buff.ly/3Wbfx2M



Biodiversity Council

Between one to three species of insects and other native invertebrates, such as pollinators and other beneficial species like earthworms, are becoming extinct in Australia every week, and about 9000 have become extinct since European arrival in 1788.

08/01/2025

A new study by Stanford University researchers found that more than 20 types of pesticides, such as the herbicides 2,4-D and glyphosate — both commonly used in Australia — may significantly elevate the risk of prostate cancer.

By Douglas Main New research adds to evidence that several types of agrochemicals — including the widely used herbicides 2,4-D and glyphosate — may raise the risk of prostate cancer. A study published November 4 in the journal Cancer examined the relationship between the quantity of pesticides u...

07/01/2025

Pesticide Action Australia is a newly-formed charity dedicated to reducing the harm that toxic pesticides cause to our health and environment, and supporting the transition to sustainable alternatives.

Pesticides are a major contributor to Australia’s biodiversity crisis, they pollute our water, soil and food, and are linked with multiple serious health conditions like cancers, Parkinson’s Disease, birth defects and more.

Sign up to hear more and join the growing network of Australians putting our health and environment first!

https://pesticideaction.org.au/getinvolved/