Crop protection | Despite controversy around neonicotinoids, 
companies continue to invest in seed treatment development
Neonicotinoids have become controversial because of potential risks to bees, but the seed and crop science industry continues to invest heavily in seed treatments.
One of those firms is BrettYoung, a seed company that held a grand opening in late October for its new seed treatment and coating plant in Winnipeg.
“This investment, the largest single investment in our company’s 80-year history, is a transformative one for BrettYoung,” chief executive officer Calvin Sonntag said in a statement.
“It not only enables us to better serve the needs of our existing customers but also supports the launch of new products and services.”
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Pierre Petelle, vice-president of chemistry for Crop Life Canada, said crop protection companies are spending money on research and development to bring innovative seed coatings to market.
“We can safely say that seed treatment technology is very much on a growth curve, globally,” he said.
“I think you’ve already seen a number of combined technologies being applied to seeds, whether they are microbial products … and two or three different fungicides to fight off resistance.”
Cory Baseraba, BrettYoung’s chief operating officer, said farmers and the agricultural industry have recognized the value of seed treatments.
Increasing farm size means producers don’t have the time or manpower to wait for ideal seeding conditions. Seed planted into wet, dry or cold soil has to perform.
“Farmers need to ensure a crop gets established and they’re willing to make that investment in the treatments that help them get the maximum yield (potential) that’s in the seed,” said Baseraba.
Seed coatings are more diverse than insecticides and fungicides, he added.
“(It) might include the active seed coatings that are absorbing and holding water on seedlings, which would help them grow in periods of stress or drought,” he said.
“We can also can apply micronutrients, where you’re getting some assistance with fertility … to help the seed establish more quickly.”
Baseraba said some seed treatment facilities specialize in a certain crop, such as canola or soybeans. Brett Young’s new plant is designed to treat a spectrum of seeds, including canola, turf seeds and forage.
“Just (because of) the nature of BrettYoung’s business, we distribute and export to over 30 countries around the world,” he said.
“We play in all kinds of seed markets.”
Baseraba said the BrettYoung plant is the first facility in Canada built in accordance with new seed treatment standards introduced by Crop Life Canada for safe handling and storage.
As of January 2017, only accredited facilities will be permitted to receive and apply designated seed treatment products. A list of seed treatments, which only accredited plants can receive and apply, will likely be released early next year.
robert.arnason@producer.com
