Dried Fruits Australia has recently been made aware of a significant reduction in the acceptable European MRLs for the fungicide Chlorothalonil. Advice from key dried grape processors is that this new MRL will be so low that it effectively means we cannot use the product. The EU changes don’t come into effect until August 2021 but, as everybody will realise, that means we have to ensure this chemical is not used during the current season. DFA has had discussion with NuFarm (one of the distributors of this chemical in Australia) and will support their efforts to challenge the EU decision through Australian federal government mechanisms. However, the current ruling must be taken into account, which means Chlorothalonil cannot be used in dried fruit production. This fungicide is registered for use against black spot, Botrytis and downy mildew. In the 2020/21 spray diary, there are at least three similar use, alternative chemicals for growers to work with. If you have any questions, please contact your processor field staff.