Pyrethrum growers promised pay rise

Farmers in Tasmania and Victoria are preparing to sow the upcoming pyrethrum crop and can expect a significant pay rise.

Farmers in Tasmania and Victoria are preparing to sow the upcoming pyrethrum crop and can expect a 30 per cent pay rise.

Tasmania and Victoria hold the exclusive growing rights to the pyrethrum crop, a privilege dating back to 1986 in the island state and 15 years in Victoria.

Pyrethrum is an active ingredient in many pesticides and can be used to control mosquitoes, flies, moths and ants.

Botanical Resources Australia Pyrethrum Production Manager, Mark Raspin of Ulverstone, Tasmania.

Botanical Resources Australia pyrethrum production manager Mark Raspin of Ulverstone, Tasmania, said growers could expect rates of up to $12,000 a hectare in the coming seasons.

Growers’ earnings are directly tied to the crop’s oil content, measured in active kilograms per hectare.

The price is around $220 a kilogram for the oil content.

Mr Raspin said red soil and mild temperatures were suitable for growing the crop that took up to 16 months to yield its first harvest.

There are around 120 growers from Tasmania and Victoria, with the scope for that to increase.

Ground preparation for pyrethrum production. Picture: Supplied

Recently, Graeme Taylor from Warrenheip near Ballarat broke a production record for growing the crop.

Mr Taylor broke both the Australian and world records for achieving the highest assay (pyrethrin content) in history, with 2.61 per cent in his January harvest.

Mr Taylor has been growing the crop for the past decade.

“When I prepared the paddock, I noticed plenty of worms, which is always a good sign that the soil is in good condition,” Mr Taylor said.

The crop was irrigated in autumn and again in spring 2023 as it was heading into flowering.