introduction
The Australian community is experiencing heightened awareness of environmental and public health issues and this has focused attention on pesticides and their potential hazards. The result has been strong pressure on those involved in farm chemical management to limit the use of these products. At the extreme there are those who wish to ban pesticides completely or at the least impose very harsh legislation to strictly control their use (Kent, 1991).
From an agricultural industry perspective, pesticides are an important component of economic and effective pest control and their continued use is essential. With the benefits of increased knowledge and experience, it is apparent that these products must no longer be used as they were in the past. All farm chemicals must be utilised strategically in the farming system and only be applied with care by competent operators. We all benefit from farm chemicals and therefore we all have a responsibility to ensure that these benefits are maximised, while any adverse effects are minimised.