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As demand for food and fibre increases, so too will our reliance on crop protection to maintain the yield and quality of agricultural produce.

While the current risk assessment framework that regulates pesticide use in Australia is internationally recognised, the University of Sydney’s Dr Angus Crossan believes that it may not necessarily be the best strategy for a country as large and climatically variable as ours.

“Many catchments in Australia are unique and should be managed as such,” he said.

“For example, protection of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park should not dictate chemical use in western New South Wales or vice versa.”

With his Award, Dr Crossan will develop a catchment-based risk assessment framework, incorporating land use and climatic data.

“Existing pesticide regulation is based on a ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach,” he said.

“My aim is to explore the option of catchment-specific pesticide management to ensure sensitive ecosystems are protected, while still meeting the needs of rural industries.”

Dr Crossan will work closely with the rural industry, environmental authorities and government regulators to help design a better method with more common ground for sustainable pesticide use.