Farm Groups Monitoring Use of Lambda-Cyhalothrin for 2023

GUELPH, ON –– Grain Farmers of Ontario, the Ontario Agri Business Association, Ontario Bean Growers, and Ontario Canola Growers Association continue to monitor Health Canada’s Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA) and its recently reviewed use of lambda-cyhalothrin. This active ingredient, commonly sold under the tradenames Matador, Silencer, and others, is a broad-spectrum insecticide used by dry edible bean, grain, and oilseed farmers to protect crops against damaging insect pests.

As a result of the regulatory review by the PMRA, applications of this pesticide on crops destined for livestock feed are not permitted. Consequently, it is recommended that Ontario dry edible bean, grain, and oilseed producers do not use any product containing lambda-cyhalothrin in the 2023 season.

While the products are approved for certain uses, there currently is no process in place to divert harvested crops from livestock feed end-users. As a result, any applications on dry edible beans, grains, and oilseeds may be considered an off-label use for the upcoming 2023 season.

Use may continue on horticulture crops as per product label directions.

Syngenta Canada Inc., one of the registrants of the lambda-cyhalothrin, has requested amendments to the PMRA decision, but as of now, no response has been received from Health Canada.

Alternative pesticide options may be available. Farmers are encouraged to consult with their agronomist, retailer, or OMAFRA specialists for an appropriate alternative product. Also, farmers should contact their local retailer on options to return any unused product.

Grain Farmers of Ontario, the Ontario Agri Business Association, Ontario Bean Growers, and Ontario Canola Growers Association are closely monitoring this situation and will continue to provide updates as they are available.