Ian Rogers
A targeted compliance blitz across intensive horticulture farms in the Coffs Harbour and Nambucca regions has found no evidence of banned or off-label pesticide use, following inspections by the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA).
The unannounced inspections were carried out in early November, with EPA officers visiting 19 blueberry, raspberry and blackberry farms across Coffs Harbour and Nambucca. Officers checked pesticide storage, record-keeping, staff training and application practices, and collected berry samples from five properties for independent laboratory testing.
EPA Director of Operations John Forcier said testing showed strong compliance with pesticide application rules.
“Blueberry and blackberry samples were analysed for a suite of more than 200 pesticides, including the banned chemical thiometon,” Mr Forcier said.
“Pleasingly, we found no evidence of banned chemical use or off-label pesticide use.”
While the results were positive, Mr Forcier said the blitz also highlighted areas where improvements could still be made.
“Overall, we found on-farm compliance has improved on previous years, but there is still some room for improvement,” he said.
“As a result of this latest compliance blitz, we have commenced additional investigations into some operations, which will be finalised in 2026.”
Mr Forcier emphasised that compliance extended beyond what chemicals were applied to crops.
“Compliance isn’t just about what’s being sprayed,” he said.
“It’s also about safe storage of pesticides, accurate record-keeping and proper training, and we are continuing to work with pesticide users on those requirements.”
The EPA regulates pesticide use in NSW for environmental protection purposes. It does not monitor or regulate food safety, which is overseen by other agencies.
