❓ Hon. John Fischer inquires about the commercial viability and potential pest status of neem trees in WA, particularly in Kununurra. Hon. Kim Chance responds, outlining the Department of Agriculture's assessment that commercial prospects are limited and that neem is already a weed, with control measures dependent on local prioritization.
AnsweredQoN 280Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
(1) Does the minister’s department see any commercial future for the cultivation of neem trees for the production of effective environmentally friendly insecticides? (2) Does the Department of Agriculture perceive any danger of neem trees becoming an unwanted pest in the Kununurra area? (3) If yes to (2), is any planned action being undertaken in this regard? Hon KIM CHANCE
AnswerView source ↗
I certainly thank Hon John Fischer for some notice of the question. (1) The Department of Agriculture has advised that it does not believe there is likely to be a commercial future for neem trees in Western Australia. Neem seed oil has been recognised for many years as having insecticidal components, but its efficacy against many insects is questionable. Neem seed oil, being a natural product, is variable in its quality. Neem oil is already produced in India and other countries in large quantities, and these countries have lower production costs. The department further advises that the insecticidal components of neem are not patentable. Hence, commercial development is restricted, because the significant cost associated with its efficacy and the provision of human health data for registration cannot be recovered under patent protection. Neem is unlikely to be registered for food crops because of the multitude of active components present. This is why it is registered in Australia only for use in cotton. (2) Neem trees were widely distributed throughout the north of the State as a desirable garden plant in the 1970s and 1980s. They are already a widespread weed in the Ord River irrigation area and along the Ord River itself. Neem trees are viewed in some other tropical areas as a serious environmental weed. (3) The current development of the rangelands natural resource management strategy is an opportunity for the local community to identify high priority pest management issues. If neem is seen as a high priority local issue, it is likely that some investment will be directed towards control.
(2) Does the Department of Agriculture perceive any danger of neem trees becoming an unwanted pest in the Kununurra area? (3) If yes to (2), is any planned action being undertaken in this regard? Hon KIM CHANCE replied: I certainly thank Hon John Fischer for some notice of the question. (1) The Department of Agriculture has advised that it does not believe there is likely to be a commercial future for neem trees in Western Australia. Neem seed oil has been recognised for many years as having insecticidal components, but its efficacy against many insects is questionable. Neem seed oil, being a natural product, is variable in its quality. Neem oil is already produced in India and other countries in large quantities, and these countries have lower production costs. The department further advises that the insecticidal components of neem are not patentable. Hence, commercial development is restricted, because the significant cost associated with its efficacy and the provision of human health data for registration cannot be recovered under patent protection. Neem is unlikely to be registered for food crops because of the multitude of active components present. This is why it is registered in Australia only for use in cotton. (2) Neem trees were widely distributed throughout the north of the State as a desirable garden plant in the 1970s and 1980s. They are already a widespread weed in the Ord River irrigation area and along the Ord River itself. Neem trees are viewed in some other tropical areas as a serious environmental weed. (3) The current development of the rangelands natural resource management strategy is an opportunity for the local community to identify high priority pest management issues. If neem is seen as a high priority local issue, it is likely that some investment will be directed towards control.
(3) If yes to (2), is any planned action being undertaken in this regard? Hon KIM CHANCE replied: I certainly thank Hon John Fischer for some notice of the question. (1) The Department of Agriculture has advised that it does not believe there is likely to be a commercial future for neem trees in Western Australia. Neem seed oil has been recognised for many years as having insecticidal components, but its efficacy against many insects is questionable. Neem seed oil, being a natural product, is variable in its quality. Neem oil is already produced in India and other countries in large quantities, and these countries have lower production costs. The department further advises that the insecticidal components of neem are not patentable. Hence, commercial development is restricted, because the significant cost associated with its efficacy and the provision of human health data for registration cannot be recovered under patent protection. Neem is unlikely to be registered for food crops because of the multitude of active components present. This is why it is registered in Australia only for use in cotton. (2) Neem trees were widely distributed throughout the north of the State as a desirable garden plant in the 1970s and 1980s. They are already a widespread weed in the Ord River irrigation area and along the Ord River itself. Neem trees are viewed in some other tropical areas as a serious environmental weed. (3) The current development of the rangelands natural resource management strategy is an opportunity for the local community to identify high priority pest management issues. If neem is seen as a high priority local issue, it is likely that some investment will be directed towards control.
Hon KIM CHANCE replied: I certainly thank Hon John Fischer for some notice of the question. (1) The Department of Agriculture has advised that it does not believe there is likely to be a commercial future for neem trees in Western Australia. Neem seed oil has been recognised for many years as having insecticidal components, but its efficacy against many insects is questionable. Neem seed oil, being a natural product, is variable in its quality. Neem oil is already produced in India and other countries in large quantities, and these countries have lower production costs. The department further advises that the insecticidal components of neem are not patentable. Hence, commercial development is restricted, because the significant cost associated with its efficacy and the provision of human health data for registration cannot be recovered under patent protection. Neem is unlikely to be registered for food crops because of the multitude of active components present. This is why it is registered in Australia only for use in cotton. (2) Neem trees were widely distributed throughout the north of the State as a desirable garden plant in the 1970s and 1980s. They are already a widespread weed in the Ord River irrigation area and along the Ord River itself. Neem trees are viewed in some other tropical areas as a serious environmental weed. (3) The current development of the rangelands natural resource management strategy is an opportunity for the local community to identify high priority pest management issues. If neem is seen as a high priority local issue, it is likely that some investment will be directed towards control.
I certainly thank Hon John Fischer for some notice of the question. (1) The Department of Agriculture has advised that it does not believe there is likely to be a commercial future for neem trees in Western Australia. Neem seed oil has been recognised for many years as having insecticidal components, but its efficacy against many insects is questionable. Neem seed oil, being a natural product, is variable in its quality. Neem oil is already produced in India and other countries in large quantities, and these countries have lower production costs. The department further advises that the insecticidal components of neem are not patentable. Hence, commercial development is restricted, because the significant cost associated with its efficacy and the provision of human health data for registration cannot be recovered under patent protection. Neem is unlikely to be registered for food crops because of the multitude of active components present. This is why it is registered in Australia only for use in cotton. (2) Neem trees were widely distributed throughout the north of the State as a desirable garden plant in the 1970s and 1980s. They are already a widespread weed in the Ord River irrigation area and along the Ord River itself. Neem trees are viewed in some other tropical areas as a serious environmental weed. (3) The current development of the rangelands natural resource management strategy is an opportunity for the local community to identify high priority pest management issues. If neem is seen as a high priority local issue, it is likely that some investment will be directed towards control.
(1) The Department of Agriculture has advised that it does not believe there is likely to be a commercial future for neem trees in Western Australia. Neem seed oil has been recognised for many years as having insecticidal components, but its efficacy against many insects is questionable. Neem seed oil, being a natural product, is variable in its quality. Neem oil is already produced in India and other countries in large quantities, and these countries have lower production costs. The department further advises that the insecticidal components of neem are not patentable. Hence, commercial development is restricted, because the significant cost associated with its efficacy and the provision of human health data for registration cannot be recovered under patent protection. Neem is unlikely to be registered for food crops because of the multitude of active components present. This is why it is registered in Australia only for use in cotton. (2) Neem trees were widely distributed throughout the north of the State as a desirable garden plant in the 1970s and 1980s. They are already a widespread weed in the Ord River irrigation area and along the Ord River itself. Neem trees are viewed in some other tropical areas as a serious environmental weed. (3) The current development of the rangelands natural resource management strategy is an opportunity for the local community to identify high priority pest management issues. If neem is seen as a high priority local issue, it is likely that some investment will be directed towards control.
(2) Neem trees were widely distributed throughout the north of the State as a desirable garden plant in the 1970s and 1980s. They are already a widespread weed in the Ord River irrigation area and along the Ord River itself. Neem trees are viewed in some other tropical areas as a serious environmental weed. (3) The current development of the rangelands natural resource management strategy is an opportunity for the local community to identify high priority pest management issues. If neem is seen as a high priority local issue, it is likely that some investment will be directed towards control.
(3) The current development of the rangelands natural resource management strategy is an opportunity for the local community to identify high priority pest management issues. If neem is seen as a high priority local issue, it is likely that some investment will be directed towards control.
(2) Does the Department of Agriculture perceive any danger of neem trees becoming an unwanted pest in the Kununurra area? (3) If yes to (2), is any planned action being undertaken in this regard? Hon KIM CHANCE replied: I certainly thank Hon John Fischer for some notice of the question. (1) The Department of Agriculture has advised that it does not believe there is likely to be a commercial future for neem trees in Western Australia. Neem seed oil has been recognised for many years as having insecticidal components, but its efficacy against many insects is questionable. Neem seed oil, being a natural product, is variable in its quality. Neem oil is already produced in India and other countries in large quantities, and these countries have lower production costs. The department further advises that the insecticidal components of neem are not patentable. Hence, commercial development is restricted, because the significant cost associated with its efficacy and the provision of human health data for registration cannot be recovered under patent protection. Neem is unlikely to be registered for food crops because of the multitude of active components present. This is why it is registered in Australia only for use in cotton. (2) Neem trees were widely distributed throughout the north of the State as a desirable garden plant in the 1970s and 1980s. They are already a widespread weed in the Ord River irrigation area and along the Ord River itself. Neem trees are viewed in some other tropical areas as a serious environmental weed. (3) The current development of the rangelands natural resource management strategy is an opportunity for the local community to identify high priority pest management issues. If neem is seen as a high priority local issue, it is likely that some investment will be directed towards control.
(3) If yes to (2), is any planned action being undertaken in this regard? Hon KIM CHANCE replied: I certainly thank Hon John Fischer for some notice of the question. (1) The Department of Agriculture has advised that it does not believe there is likely to be a commercial future for neem trees in Western Australia. Neem seed oil has been recognised for many years as having insecticidal components, but its efficacy against many insects is questionable. Neem seed oil, being a natural product, is variable in its quality. Neem oil is already produced in India and other countries in large quantities, and these countries have lower production costs. The department further advises that the insecticidal components of neem are not patentable. Hence, commercial development is restricted, because the significant cost associated with its efficacy and the provision of human health data for registration cannot be recovered under patent protection. Neem is unlikely to be registered for food crops because of the multitude of active components present. This is why it is registered in Australia only for use in cotton. (2) Neem trees were widely distributed throughout the north of the State as a desirable garden plant in the 1970s and 1980s. They are already a widespread weed in the Ord River irrigation area and along the Ord River itself. Neem trees are viewed in some other tropical areas as a serious environmental weed. (3) The current development of the rangelands natural resource management strategy is an opportunity for the local community to identify high priority pest management issues. If neem is seen as a high priority local issue, it is likely that some investment will be directed towards control.
Hon KIM CHANCE replied: I certainly thank Hon John Fischer for some notice of the question. (1) The Department of Agriculture has advised that it does not believe there is likely to be a commercial future for neem trees in Western Australia. Neem seed oil has been recognised for many years as having insecticidal components, but its efficacy against many insects is questionable. Neem seed oil, being a natural product, is variable in its quality. Neem oil is already produced in India and other countries in large quantities, and these countries have lower production costs. The department further advises that the insecticidal components of neem are not patentable. Hence, commercial development is restricted, because the significant cost associated with its efficacy and the provision of human health data for registration cannot be recovered under patent protection. Neem is unlikely to be registered for food crops because of the multitude of active components present. This is why it is registered in Australia only for use in cotton. (2) Neem trees were widely distributed throughout the north of the State as a desirable garden plant in the 1970s and 1980s. They are already a widespread weed in the Ord River irrigation area and along the Ord River itself. Neem trees are viewed in some other tropical areas as a serious environmental weed. (3) The current development of the rangelands natural resource management strategy is an opportunity for the local community to identify high priority pest management issues. If neem is seen as a high priority local issue, it is likely that some investment will be directed towards control.
I certainly thank Hon John Fischer for some notice of the question. (1) The Department of Agriculture has advised that it does not believe there is likely to be a commercial future for neem trees in Western Australia. Neem seed oil has been recognised for many years as having insecticidal components, but its efficacy against many insects is questionable. Neem seed oil, being a natural product, is variable in its quality. Neem oil is already produced in India and other countries in large quantities, and these countries have lower production costs. The department further advises that the insecticidal components of neem are not patentable. Hence, commercial development is restricted, because the significant cost associated with its efficacy and the provision of human health data for registration cannot be recovered under patent protection. Neem is unlikely to be registered for food crops because of the multitude of active components present. This is why it is registered in Australia only for use in cotton. (2) Neem trees were widely distributed throughout the north of the State as a desirable garden plant in the 1970s and 1980s. They are already a widespread weed in the Ord River irrigation area and along the Ord River itself. Neem trees are viewed in some other tropical areas as a serious environmental weed. (3) The current development of the rangelands natural resource management strategy is an opportunity for the local community to identify high priority pest management issues. If neem is seen as a high priority local issue, it is likely that some investment will be directed towards control.
(1) The Department of Agriculture has advised that it does not believe there is likely to be a commercial future for neem trees in Western Australia. Neem seed oil has been recognised for many years as having insecticidal components, but its efficacy against many insects is questionable. Neem seed oil, being a natural product, is variable in its quality. Neem oil is already produced in India and other countries in large quantities, and these countries have lower production costs. The department further advises that the insecticidal components of neem are not patentable. Hence, commercial development is restricted, because the significant cost associated with its efficacy and the provision of human health data for registration cannot be recovered under patent protection. Neem is unlikely to be registered for food crops because of the multitude of active components present. This is why it is registered in Australia only for use in cotton. (2) Neem trees were widely distributed throughout the north of the State as a desirable garden plant in the 1970s and 1980s. They are already a widespread weed in the Ord River irrigation area and along the Ord River itself. Neem trees are viewed in some other tropical areas as a serious environmental weed. (3) The current development of the rangelands natural resource management strategy is an opportunity for the local community to identify high priority pest management issues. If neem is seen as a high priority local issue, it is likely that some investment will be directed towards control.
(2) Neem trees were widely distributed throughout the north of the State as a desirable garden plant in the 1970s and 1980s. They are already a widespread weed in the Ord River irrigation area and along the Ord River itself. Neem trees are viewed in some other tropical areas as a serious environmental weed. (3) The current development of the rangelands natural resource management strategy is an opportunity for the local community to identify high priority pest management issues. If neem is seen as a high priority local issue, it is likely that some investment will be directed towards control.
(3) The current development of the rangelands natural resource management strategy is an opportunity for the local community to identify high priority pest management issues. If neem is seen as a high priority local issue, it is likely that some investment will be directed towards control.
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