Pulse growers facing many issues
prior to entering their country.
“This has been an issue that Pulse Canada has been working very hard alongside our federal and provincial ministers of agriculture,” Rosaasen said, adding issues with Indian access has had a dampening effect on cash bids in Western Canada.
“There’s just a little bit of uncertainty, so, as a result, it is reflected in the basis,” he said.
Imidacloprid is one of the three neonictinoids registered for use as a seed treatment for full-year spray for the control and suppression of certain insects.
The federal government is currently in a consultation phase regarding a proposed re-evaluation decision on the pesticide by the Pest Management Regulatory Agency.
“This has been a concerning reevaluation decision for all pulse growers, as well as all crop producers across Canada,” Rosaasen said.
“We have been given an extension until March 23 for stakeholder submission.”
He added the intent of Pulse Canada and Alberta Pulse Growers is to provide a stakeholder submission on the issue.
Rosaasen said while the issue may not have an immediate impact on pulse crops, a phase out of the neonictinoid could have drastic implications on the types of crops that can be grown and the control growers can have battling insect pressures.
“It’s a longer-term potential issue,” he said.
Excess moisture across Alberta last season was an issue for many pulse growers. Additional moisture can cause some pulse crops to become susceptible to root rot.
Rosaasen said there have been a lot of inquiries from producers and he said the message has been that pulse crops can be grown under high-moisture conditions, but suitable pulse crops need to be chosen.
With aphanomyces, a water mould present in different pockets of Alberta, many seasoned pea and lentil growers concerned about wet feet in their pulses should have their soil checked for the presence of aphanomyces.
Rosaasen said the APG website contains information on properly selecting land and how to use cultural control methods to ensure the best pulse crop results.
However, Rosaasen said weather is always an issue for growers, whether it is too wet or too dry. With new challenges come new opportunities, however.
“As always, farmers and producers will be resilient, and move forward to find a way to make sure they can continue to sustainably produce food that is in demand around the world.”
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