Treatment was suspended in August last year on some export-certified properties in the south-east Queensland suppression zone after genetically modified ingredients were identified in baits used on nests. The suspension left organic farmers without a compliant way to control the pest, and the National Fire Ant Eradication Program has now confirmed parts of a 1,110-hectare zone spanning the Lockyer Valley, Scenic Rim and Somerset agricultural hubs are re-infested. The full extent is yet to be determined.
"We do have evidence of reinfestation of areas from properties that haven't been treated [since the suspension]," said Robbie Wilson, senior director of operations at the program.
Mr Wilson acknowledged organic farmers could not use ant-killing bait containing genetically modified corn and oil without risking their organic status. "The organic producers ... are certainly not objecting to eradication of fire ants but they have an interest in maintaining their accreditation for their livelihood," he said.
The program has been working with peak body Australian Organic Limited on how to support farmers while limiting infestation. Mr Wilson said the affected areas made up a small part of the 30,000 hectares identified as having gaps in treatment across the wider control area, and that some of that treatment may already be scheduled.
Fire ants can fly up to five kilometres, making their spread difficult to control. The eradication program aims to eliminate the pest by 2032.
On Monday, the federal Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry granted a permit for a product using concentrated cinnamaldehyde, the organic compound that gives cinnamon its flavour and odour, for use in Queensland. "This treatment product has been assessed as compliant with the National Standard for Organic and Bio-Dynamic Produce," the department said.
The permit requires application by direct nest injection and/or as a nest drench by people authorised by the National Fire Ant Eradication Program. Mr Wilson said the first shipment of the product from New Zealand was awaiting customs clearance at Brisbane port. "It is an organic product that can be used on certified organic properties," he said.
He described approving a treatment suitable for organic farmers as the "first phase" of bringing those properties back into the eradication program.