Living together in harmony project highlights the reduction of pesticide use

The Montérégie UPA Federation, 13 MRCS, along with Longueuil, want to inform the public about the efforts farmers are making to reduce the use of pesticides. This initiative is part of the campaign to raise awareness about living together in harmony in the agricultural zone, which was launched with financial support from the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAPAQ).

With some of the lowest pesticide use in the world (2.9 kg per hectare), Quebec is a leader in reducing the average amount of pesticides applied. Over a 10-year period (2006-2017), the province reduced pesticide use by 14 per cent. By protecting biodiversity, surface and groundwater quality, and soil health, farmers ensure both the viability of their farms and the health of the population, protecting their families, employees, and neighbors, and promoting food safety.

Products used in agriculture must be authorized by government agencies. Health Canada sets strict controls on pesticide use and the precise limits for amounts of trace pesticides that can be present on food products. This limit is between 100 and 3,000 times lower than the established safety limit. In addition to limits on which products can be applied, the use of certain products requires supervision by an agronomist. Finally, farmers must also respect distances between pesticide application areas and buildings, waterways, and water collection sites.

Family farmers can reduce their use of pesticides by employing screening techniques in the field, crop rotation, and integrated management, meaning that they know their crops, crop enemies, and the allies they can find in the ecosystem. Through these alternative techniques for prevention, monitoring, and intervention, some farmers have had success in significantly reducing the application of agrochemical products.

The Living Together in Harmony in the Agricultural Zone project, has a regional scope. It aims to foster living together and dialogue between farmers and residents. The different partners, which include the MRC of Brome-missisquoi and Hauteyamaska, want to demystify beliefs, mitigate nuisances, and address issues related to agricultural work. It is important to the project’s initiators to highlight the multifunctionality of the agricultural zone as a place for living, working, and leisure.