Seed potato growers are hoping a new federal program will speed up their access to minor use pesticides.
Under the Pesticide Risk Reduction Program, a joint initiative of Health Canada’s Pest Management Regulatory Agency and Agriculture Canada, the government hopes to address sustainable pest management strategies and make it easier to register certain pesticides.
Brad Bartko, president of the Saskatchewan Seed Potato Growers Association, welcomed the chance for potato growers to offer comments and help the government identify problem areas.
“We can help target some chemical to come on stream faster.”
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He cited pests like wireworms in small acreage crops that are western and require different pesticide control than in Eastern Canada. Chemical options are often available in the United States, but not registered for use in Canada.
The program is hosting two meetings: one was held in Saskatoon Dec. 1 for Western growers and one is planned for Eastern Canada in February.
The Saskatoon meeting followed the SSPGA’s annual meeting and Western Potato Council conference in Saskatoon Nov. 29-Dec. 1.
Debby LeBlanc of Health Canada’s pest management regulatory agency said the meetings will obtain input from growers, researchers, government and industry and prioritize issues and solutions.
The new voluntary program will help growers get access to chemicals not registered for use in Canada, with Agriculture Canada helping do the research needed before they can be registered in Canada.
There will be funding available to develop tools and practices, research new pesticides and educate growers and consumers, and money for demonstration plots.
“It’s a whole management for the crop,” she said. “We can educate growers on tools already available and adapt tools already available.”
LeBlanc said the program helps find lower risk pesticides to avoid building up a resistance to chemicals in plants and soils.
It will also explore the use of row covers, low tillage and crop rotations to decrease pests in fields.
A national steering committee, with members selected from those attending the two meetings, will meet during the Canadian Horticultural Council conference in the spring.
