Ban on pesticides means no protection for crops

Re: Pesticides linked to bee deaths will be phased out, sources say, Aug. 15.

There are a few important details to clarify regarding coverage of the Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA) announcement regarding clothianidin and thiamethoxam, two neonicotinoid pesticides.

Firstly, PMRA published a proposed special review decision for clothianidin and thiamethoxam, not a final decision. This proposal launches a 90-day consultation period for public input. PMRA will take public submissions, including additional scientific data, into account before making their final decision, which is expected in December 2019.

It’s also important to note this proposed special review isn’t related to pollinator health. PMRA released a seemingly contradictory proposed decision validating the safety of both of these products to pollinators as seed treatments, which is one of their primary uses, earlier this year.

Neonicotinoid-treated seed was developed as a safe and effective way to protect crops that minimizes exposure to non-target organisms like bees.

The proposed cancellation of all agricultural uses of clothianidin and thiamethoxam would leave growers without this family of safe and efficient pest-control products that they rely on to protect their crops from potentially devastating insect pressures.

In keeping with PMRA’s process, CropLife Canada, our members and affected stakeholder groups will use the 90-day consultation period to review in detail the data that led to PMRA’s proposed special-review decisions. If, as we anticipate, there is additional information that needs to be considered, we will ensure it’s brought to PMRA’s attention.

In the meantime, we stand behind the innovations that help Canadian farmers provide safe and nutritious food.

Pierre Petelle, president, CropLife Canada