The public consultation period on imidacloprid is coming to an end
By Jennifer Jackson
March 23 is the last day for farmers to submit their opinions regarding the proposed imidacloprid ban. Health Canada’s Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA) proposed a ban of the neonicotinoid pesticide due to its potential to harm aquatic invertebrates.
The PRMA’s ban would entail a three year phase out of the insecticide, according to Health Canada, affecting some cereal, soybean and potato producers that use the chemical to manage insects.
Many farmers are concerned with the ban, and the research that Health Canada conducted and used to put forward this insecticide re-evaluation, according to a Grain Growers of Canada (GGC) release. The GGC is actively participating in Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s Multi-Stakeholder Forum.
The GGC is making it easy for farmers to take advantage of the extended consultation period. (Originally, the comment window was slotted to close Feb. 21.) The GGC created a customizable letter for farmers to complete and send to the PRMA.
“PMRA is going to receive a lot of submissions from many different sides and it is important that farmers have their voices heard when it comes to the products available to help them manage pests and mitigate risk,” says Jeff Nielsen, president of the GGC. “That is why we have provided a template letter that farmers can use to reach out to PMRA and their own Members of Parliament, and bring their important message front and centre.”
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The letter begins by explaining the seed treatment is “a safe and effective method of managing pests.” It notes how producers “support and rely on Canada’s internationally respected regulatory system.” Then, the letter outlines the concern with the imidacloprid data the PRMA used.
“I am concerned that the decision to phase-out imidacloprid was not based on a credible and thorough risk assessment given the limited data sets considered by the PMRA in its proposed decision,” the letter reads. “These data sets do not reflect the potential risk across the varied Canadian agricultural landscape.”
The GGC is encouraging farmers to be part of the discussion and share how they responsibly manage pesticide risk on farm.
“At the end of the day, farmers want to be certain that the regulatory decisions being made by government are based on reliable data and sound science,” says Nielsen. “Canada has an internationally recognized regulatory system and it is in everyone’s best interests to keep it strong.”
The GGC asks farmers to email or mail the letter to the PRMA, and CC the GGC and their local Member of Parliament.
The letter can be downloaded from the GGC website.