Ground-based spraying

Ground-based spraying of agricultural chemical products is the most common method of application in Victoria. You can choose to spray yourself or use a contractor to spray the chemical for you.

Before you start spraying

Plan your spray

Applying the right amount of chemical at the right time will result in a successful spray program. Make sure you plan your agriculture spraying program before you start.

Check if you need to follow notification requirements if spraying chemicals by air or misting equipment.

Know the rules

Knowing what you can and can't do helps protect you and the public. It also protects the welfare of animals and the environment.

Check if you need a permit for any chemicals in your spray program.

Follow the directions for use

Purchasing the right chemicals for your spray is only part of the plan. You also need to know how to safely transport chemicals to your farm and store them correctly.

Be aware of the risks. Only use chemicals as directed and keep your records up-to-date.

Some chemicals require you to wait a period of time before harvesting a crop or grazing cattle. Make sure you follow any withholding period statement.

Check your surroundings

If not used correctly, chemicals can easily drift outside the target area. Managing spray drift can help prevent damage to neighbouring farms and other areas.

Using a contractor to spray on your property

People who apply agricultural chemicals on another person's land or produce for a fee must be licensed and have completed the required training.

Contractors that use agriculture chemicals need to hold an Agriculture Victoria issued Commercial operator licence (COL). This is required by people or businesses using agricultural chemicals for purposes such as:

  • forestry
  • post-harvest treatments
  • weed control
  • pest animals
  • insects
  • diseases.
Check that any contractor you hire to apply agricultural chemicals has the right licence. They need either a Commercial Operator Licence issued by Agriculture Victoria or a Pest Control Licence issued by the Department of Health (DH).

Contractors may choose to sub-contract agricultural chemical use work to a third party. If this occurs, the sub-contractor is also required to have an appropriately endorsed COL for any work they perform. They cannot operate under the COL of another business.

Page last updated: 01 Sep 2026