The internet is making it possible for farmers and the companies that
buy their crops to ensure that pesticides are being properly applied.
Some Canadian food processors are using the services provided by Crop
Data Management Systems based in California.
It has been working with chemical companies, farmers and food
processors since 1999 to build agricultural chemical databases.
Farmers who hold contracts with food companies using the system are
asked to enter all pesticide application information, including dates,
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fields and amounts, into a chart provided on Crop Data Management
Systems’ website. Chemical companies provide product information by
label name and use. If a problem arises, software detects over
applications or off-label use and can report it to the farmer.
“It flags it if it is not correct,” said company vice-president Scott
Mueller.
“There is an error code that shows changes or modifications are needed
if a product is used not according to the label.”
All this is possible with the internet and its unlimited amount of
space and ability to pass on messages almost instantaneously.
“The web has enabled the growers to put the data in,” Mueller said,
while attending a CropLife Science meeting held in Calgary on Sept.
15-18.
“Having a quick and accessible database allows the information to be
transferred from the grower inputting it, (to) us checking it to the
food company receiving it.”
Mueller said the service gives food companies proof that food safety
guidelines, as they relate to ag chemical use, are achieved.
It could also lead to less pesticide use as users compare production
results, taking into consideration climatic and geographic differences.
The company arrived in Canada in the last year, working with Heinz
Canada and Lamb Weston. So far, the labels of 89 Canadian approved
products are included in the database.
“Right now they are for the hort crops, but when we start entering
canola and cereals we’ll have more (labels).”
The food company is charged according to the number of data lines
Mueller’s company checks. Data includes the crop, timing of chemical
applications, geography, estimated harvest date, contract number and
field location.
Chemical companies also pay for their listings.
In some cases, the processors’ field staff enter the information for
farmers who do not have an internet connection or who do not feel
comfortable with the service.
The system does not record weather disasters or provide food safety
traceability to learn where possible chemical residues originated.
“Our system does not record and does not have a place to record what
the residue level is,” he said.
Business has increased to 5,000 hits a day last month from 5,800 a
month when it started.
For a link to the Crop Data Management Systems website, go to
www.producer.com and click on news links.
