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Riverland producers tell government to keep fenthion

South Australian horticulture groups have told a Senate hearing into the use of the chemical fenthion that adding further regulations on its use would harm their industries.

The chemical is widely used in the eastern states and Western Australia to control both Queensland and Mediterranean fruit fly.

But due to South Australia's pest-free status, it isn't used by growers there.

Despite this, industry groups representing citrus and stone fruit growers told the Senate hearing that due to the high numbers of fruit flies in other states, removing the chemical would soon see more outbreaks in South Australia.

"To the east and west of South Australia, fruit fly has expanded enormously, endemic in some locations now, and fenthion is greatest weapon that producers in those regions have to control it," the inquiry heard.

"If it's withdrawn, the increase in fruit fly outbreaks will only grow and that will put greater pressure on South Australia, and we could see more incursions in the future.

"That really frightens us."

Last year, the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) restricted the use of fenthion because of unresolved concerns about its impact on human health.

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