FARMERS will need to observe buffer zones and keep spraying records to comply with new chemical regulations.

The Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority has begun an individual review of every agricultural chemical on the market.

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The move is aimed at reducing spray drift, which can devastate non-target crops.

The new regulations will include droplet size rules and restrictions on spraying in windy conditions.

Labels will be updated with the new rules.

But the National Farmers' Federation says it has "a great deal of concern about the potential changes and implications for farmers".

APVMA principal scientist for agricultural chemicals David Loschke said the group "really are world leaders in this area right now".

"We've always done drift assessments ... from now on, the assessment has more rigorous and more refined scientific methods and data," Dr Loschke said.

"We'll be assessing all aspects of drift risk, including trade risk (eg risk of damaging other crops), environmental risk and ... human health."

Buffer zones or "no spray zones" would be tailored to each particular chemical.

Chemicals that were highly toxic to humans could require a "no spray zone" close to houses.

Farmers would need to keep records of spraying for two years after the application.

"The most critical new thing is we'll require every product has a clear requirement for specific droplet size," Dr Loschke said.

"There's no point using finer droplets than needed and aggravating drift. This has a huge impact on the size of buffers imposed."

Labels would be made clearer and easier to read, Dr Loschke said.

But NFF rural affairs manager Sam Nelson said farmers had been put at a disadvantage by the process the APVMA used to review the chemicals.

Farm bodies were being asked to provide scientific and technical information about chemicals and their use, he said.

"Many don't have the technical skills to engage well in that sort of process," Dr Nelson said.

Dr Nelson was "concerned the APVMA will adopt a conservative approach" particularly regarding spraying around other crops and near urban areas.

New information will start to appear on labels from September.