Farmer Advisory
MPSG Advocating for Farmers over PMRA’s Neonic Decision
Manitoba Pulse & Soybean Growers (MPSG) is seeking assurance on behalf of its members that Canada’s Pest Management Regulatory Agency’s (PMRA) final decision involving the use of the neonicotinoids (neonics) clothianidin and thiamethoxam will be based on the most comprehensive set of scientific data possible and thorough stakeholder engagement.
On August 15, PMRA announced that the final two major neonicotinoid insecticides available to farmers will be phased out for outdoor use in the next three to five years. The decision comes after a scheduled PMRA evaluation found both clothianidin and thiamethoxam at levels considered a potential risk to aquatic insects.
PMRA has initiated a 90-day consultation period on its potential decisions regarding the two neonics, one of which many of Manitoba’s pulse and soybean growers rely on for pest control. The consultation/comment period ends on November 13, 2018.
MPSG, working together with other provincial and national commodity groups, will respond to PMRA ensuring the regulatory body has access to the facts surrounding these two neonics.
MPSG is deeply concerned over the prospect of its farmers no longer having access to Thiamethoxam, a neonicotinoid contained in Cruiser, Helix, Actara, Flagship and Minecto – chemicals commonly used to protect soybeans, edible beans, faba beans, chickpeas, lentils, lupins and many more crops from wireworm, seed-corn maggot and pea leaf weevil.
If left uncontrolled, populations of these pests may be left to flourish. Our members know sustainable food production means keeping pests in check.
MPSG is equally concerned over the potential banning of Clothianidin (Prosper, Poncho, Nipsit, Titan and Clutch). While this particular neonic is not registered for use with pulse and soybean crops, MPSG fears its withdrawal from the marketplace sets a concerning precedent for the registration of future products that could benefit Manitoba’s and/or Canada’s pulse and soybean industries.
MPSG joins all of Canada’s concerned grower organizations in reviewing PMRA’s decision in the context of our members’ need for effective and safe crop protection products. The farmers MPSG represents believe a profitable farm is a sustainable farm – a farm built on healthy soil and water supporting the production of an abundance of high-quality food.
For more information, contact:
Toban Dyck
Director of Communications
Manitoba Pulse & Soybean Growers
204-227-8875
toban@manitobapulse.ca
Francois Labelle
Executive Director
Manitoba Pulse & Soybean Growers
204-745-6488
francois@manitobapulse.ca