Modern product labels contain spray drift restraints, which may include mandatory buffer zones (also known as ‘no spray zones’).
In the absence of any specific direction from the applicant, spray drift restraints are determined by the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) using the maximum use rate, minimum droplet size, and other ‘worst case’ application parameters contained within the Spray Drift Management Tool (SDMT).
Modified SDMT for products under PER93132
Permit 93132, held by Grain Producers Australia (GPA) has been issued by the APVMA to allow applicators to access and use a modified version of the SDMT for selected products in cereals and fallow situations. Rather than simply applying the ‘worst case’ buffers when planning their spraying programme, applicators can input site-specific information into the modified SDMT and calculate reduced buffer zones applicable to their local conditions, application preferences, and drift reduction technology.
In addition to the benefit of buffer zone reductions, use of the modified SDMT will allow users to recalculate buffer zones, reducing the need to provide a wide range of application options on the label. The modified SDMT is also intended to increase applicator understanding of the relationship between application parameters and off-target drift.
The following video presentation provides background on the APVMA spray drift policy and buffer zones, as well as instructions on how to use the modified SDMT.
Accessing PER93132 and the modified SDMT
Applicators can download permit 93132 from our Permits database to identify which products and uses are available and the associated conditions of use under permit.
The modified SDMT (version 2.0, published on 22 May 2023) can be downloaded from our website.
When accessing the modified SDMT, please note the version number and publication date, as it may be necessary to update the modified SDMT from time to time. We will also advise our stakeholders of any changes made to the modified SDMT.
Stay updated
To receive notifications about any updates to the SDMT, or for further advice relating to its use, please subscribe to receive the APVMA’s Pesticides Regulatory Newsletter and news updates.
Contact
Please contact the APVMA via spraydrift@apvma.gov.au if you have any feedback about the modified SDMT.