The IPM4 action under the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) requires farmers to manage crops without using insecticides. It’s a cornerstone of environmentally-friendly farming, but it comes with complexities that make compliance challenging. Here’s what you need to know — and how JustFarm can make this straightforward.
What is IPM4 and What Does It Prohibit?
IPM4 is an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) action that prohibits the use of insecticides on specified crops for a set period. It is designed to protect beneficial insects, promote biodiversity, and reduce chemical reliance.
How JustFarm Helps:
- The JustFarm platform logs every compliant cropping activity.
- You can timestamp when IPM4-compliant actions are taken, making tracking and auditing effortless.
- All historical activity is visible on both desktop and companion app, so you never lose track of what has been done.
What Products Are Considered Insecticides?
Under IPM4, insecticides include any chemical agents or biological products designed to control insects. This can cover a wide range of sprays, granules, or other treatments. Farmers often struggle to keep up with which products are restricted.
How JustFarm Helps:
- JustFarm allows you to record notes and photos of any approved or prohibited products in the field.
- When in doubt, the platform acts as a central reference point for your team, reducing guesswork and risk.
What is the Payment Rate?
Payment rates for IPM4 vary depending on your agreement year and the number of eligible hectares. Accurate recordkeeping ensures you receive the correct subsidy for every compliant field.
How JustFarm Helps:
- Track which fields are enrolled in IPM4 and automatically log hectares.
- The platform summarises your eligible areas and potential earnings at a glance, so you know exactly what you are entitled to.
Can IPM4 Be Combined with Other IPM Actions?
Yes, some IPM actions can be layered for broader environmental benefits. However, managing overlapping rules can quickly become confusing.
How JustFarm Helps:
- JustFarm’s compliance hub shows all scheme overlaps for your holdings.
- It flags potential conflicts and suggests where you can safely combine actions, reducing risk and administrative burden.
How Do I Capture Evidence and stay Compliant?
You must provide proof that insecticides were not used during the eligible period. Evidence typically includes:
- Field notes
- Photos of crops
- Treatment logs
How JustFarm Helps:
- Capture all evidence directly in the companion app while in the field.
- Tag, timestamp, and link notes and photos to specific fields and IPM actions.
- When the declaration is due, generate audit-ready reports with a single click.
Why JustFarm is Essential for IPM4 Compliance
IPM4 compliance is more than avoiding certain chemicals — it’s about maintaining a robust, verifiable record that protects your subsidy income. With shifting deadlines, evolving guidance, and inspection pressure, JustFarm acts as your digital safety net:
- One central hub for IPM4 and all other SFI actions
- Companion app for field-level capture and evidence
- Automated reporting for inspections and declarations
- Alerts and reminders for deadlines and scheme updates
Farming without a structured system can lead to missed deadlines, lost payments, and unnecessary stress. JustFarm ensures that every IPM4 action you take is documented, verifiable, and audit-ready.
Take Action: Sign up for JustFarm today to make IPM4 and all your SFI actions audit-ready, and never worry about missing evidence or deadlines again.