South Australia’s farmers are enjoying one of the most promising growing seasons in years, but a major locust threat could put the state’s bumper crop at risk.
The Malinauskas Government has announced a $6.5 million preparedness package to help farmers and regional communities get ahead of a potential Australian plague locust outbreak this spring and summer.
The warning comes after above-average autumn and winter rainfall helped establish more than 4.2 million hectares of grain crops across the state, the largest area of sown crops ever recorded in South Australia.
With so much at stake, the State Government is moving early, following increased adult locust activity reported across the Mallee, Riverland, Flinders Ranges and Eyre Peninsula during autumn.
There are concerns the insects may have laid eggs across several regions, which could hatch when temperatures rise in spring.
If they do, the eggs could produce concentrated groups of juvenile locusts known as hopper bands, which can cause significant damage to crops and pastures before developing into highly mobile adult swarms.
The Government’s $6.5 million package includes $1.9 million for planning, procurement and surveillance, including up to six weeks of targeted spring surveillance in areas considered most at risk.
A further $4.9 million will fund a Chemical Rebate Scheme, helping eligible landholders cover the cost of chemicals used to control locusts.
The scheme will commence on September 1st and run through the high-risk season until February 14th, with landholders able to claim up to $35 per hectare for eligible chemicals purchased and applied between September 1st and December 31st.
According to the Government, the juvenile hopper stage provides the best opportunity to control locusts, as the insects are concentrated in bands and have not yet developed into mobile adults.
The control methods used will depend on factors including the landscape, land use, locust density and the level of risk to crops, communities and sensitive sites.
Premier Peter Malinauskas said, “South Australian farmers are enjoying one of the most promising seasons in recent memory, and we want to make sure they have a real chance to maximise that potential.
“We are investing $6.5 million to crack down on the very real threat of a plague locust outbreak in our regions, because we want to help farmers defend their crops against this damaging pest.
“We are acting now before this problem arises.”
The package comes as South Australia’s field crop industry contributes around $4.3 billion to the state economy, making the protection of this year’s harvest particularly important.
Grain Producers SA chief executive Brad Perry said, “Grain Producers SA called for a chemical rebate scheme similar to the support provided during South Australia’s last major locust plague, and we are pleased the State Government has listened and acted.
“Grain producers have been reporting increased locust activity to GPSA for several months, and we have worked closely with the government through its locust community reference group. This $6.5 million package provides important support for surveillance and early control ahead of the critical spring hatching period.
“The rebate of up to $35 per hectare will help growers meet the cost of controlling locusts on their properties. With one of South Australia’s most promising grain crops in years now growing strong, grain producers should remain vigilant, report sightings promptly and act early if hopper bands emerge.”
Farmers and members of the public are being urged to report sightings of Australian plague locusts to the Exotic Plant Pest Hotline on 1800 084 881 or through the PIRSA online reporting form.
