GPA says it is continuing to work through the correct processes with the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) and mouse bait manufacturers listed on the permit, to support this application and respond to various requests.

The GPA application for extension follows a previous successful application and GPA says the aim is to have the permit extended again to meet current demand to help control mice on farms.

The previous permit to use ZP50 (50g/kg Zinc Phosphate) expired on 31 December 2023.

"Growers have indicated to GPA they're continuing to experience mouse activity on-farm and support the continued use of ZP50 through this permit to provide another, more effective option to help protect their crops from mouse damage," GPA said in a statement released today.

GPA assists the co-ordination, management and delivery of industry minor use permits which are issued by the APVMA and give growers timely and strategic access to the tools they need to manage damaging pests, weeds and diseases, to help ensure their farming businesses remain profitable and sustainable.

The APVMA has also issued a statement regarding the GPA application to extend permit PER90799, to clarify questions regarding product use, making it clear the current permit expired on 31 December 2023. The statement reads:

"Permit number PER90799 to allow supply and emergency use of an unregistered agvet chemical product for control of mice in certain crops and pasture expired on 31 December 2023.

"There are currently no permits to authorise the supply and use of any 50g/kg ZINC PHOSPHIDE product in any State or Territory of Australia. A person (supplier) must not supply a 50g/kg Zinc Phosphide product and persons with any remaining product in their possession must not use the product without a current permit being in place.

"The Holder of the permit, Grain Producers Australia Limited, has applied for renewal of this permit under a minor use application. The APVMA is undertaking evaluation of submitted studies and is working with the applicant and data providers to progress this application.

"While the permit renewal application is still being evaluated no additional product must enter the distribution channel. No product recalls have been issued at this time. Grain Producers Australia Limited will advise producers if a permit is issued to allow a supplier to possess the product for the purposes of supply and to supply the product to a person who can use the product."

All current minor and emergency use permits can be found on the APVMA website at https://portal.apvma.gov.au/pubcris.

Current mice control strategy information can be found here: https://bit.ly/3EfpXo8