By Alice McFarlane

PMRA ruling on seed treatments applauded by canola farmers

Apr 1, 2021 | 12:00 PM

Canola farmers can continue to use two important seed treatments.

Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA) completed its special review on clothianidin and thiamethoxam. The seed treatments are used to protect canola, corn, and soybean seeds and seedlings from insect pests.

The PMRA decision found the products do not pose an unacceptable risk to aquatic invertebrates and farmers can continue to use them on canola.

PMRA proposed the phase out of clothianidin and thiamethoxam for all agricultural uses in August 2018.

Canadian Canola Growers Association (CCGA) and Canola Council of Canada worked with farmers and industry to present field-level data into the impact of these products. Three years of field-based research was provided.

Court proceedings

Not guilty verdict in Byron Bear murder case

7h ago

Armed robbery

Suspected robber caught after returning to the scene

12h ago

THIS IS A PLEA FOR HELP!

Mayor in Loon Lake requests support in wake of criminal activity, church fire

Oct 01, 2024

Seed treatments play an important role in a canola farmer’s integrated pest management plan. CCGA chair Mike Ammeter said the industry was very concerned about the possibility of losing these important tools.

“It is great news for canola farmers as it maintains our ability to protect the canola crop at its earliest stages of development,” Ammeter said in a news release. “Flea beetles can dramatically reduce stand viability if not controlled early and maintaining access to these products is important for the environmental and economic sustainability of the crop.”

While there were no changes for use in canola there will be lower application rates in corn and soybeans. PMRA also said there would be reduced rates of seed treatment for vegetable crops, potatoes, and other crops.

–

alice.mcfarlane@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @farmnewsNOW