Consider market access before spraying

With the 2018 planting season underway, it is important Canadian growers are aware of the 2018 products of concern for canola, wheat, malt barley, oats and pulses; and always follow the label. These are key steps to avoid unacceptable residues and protect Canada’ s reputation as a quality supplier.

“It is important to always talk to your grain buyer before spraying to ensure the products you are using are acceptable to their customers,” says Brenna Mahoney, director of communications and stakeholder relations with Cereals Canada. “Canadian growers must also know and follow the label for rate, timing and pre-harvest interval to reduce market risk.”

“The overall health of the Canadian agriculture industry improves when we have stable, open trade with the markets that value our products the most,” says Brian Innes, vice president of public affairs with the Canola Council of Canada. “Producers can help keep markets open by considering our customers when they make application decisions.”

Growers are advised to be aware of the following crop/ product combinations:

2018 Products of Concern for Cereals

Special Considerations:

All Cereals: Glyphosate (e.g. Roundup) – under increased scrutiny. Rigorous adherence to guidelines, including following the label, will keep this important product in our toolbox for years to come.

Wheat: Glyphosate – only use pre-harvest if greenest part of the crop is <30 per cent moisture.

Oats: Glyphosate – may not be accepted by grain buyers if treated pre-harvest.

Malt Barley: Glyphosate, Saflufenacil (e.g. Kixor) – will not be accepted by grain buyers if treated pre-harvest.

2018 Products of Concern for Canola

Be informed – treated crop could create marketing concerns:

Quinclorac (e.g. Accord, Clever, Facet and Masterline Quinclorac) – consult grain buyer before using.

Metconazole (e.g. Quash) – consult grain buyer before using.

2018 Products of Concern for Pulses

Up-to-date information is now available at keepingitclean.ca.

The Keep It Clean! program has published the 2018 products of concern online at keepingitclean.ca to help growers make the best decisions surrounding product application. Along with the products of concern, the site offers MRL and regulatory updates as developments are made at the national and international levels. These developments are the basis for the best practices that Keep it Clean! advises growers to follow throughout the season to keep markets open for all.

“There is a direct connection between the use of best product application practices and the ability to market Canadian grains and oilseeds,” says Mac Ross, manager of market access and trade policy with Pulse Canada. “We’re all in this together. Using best practices protects Canada’s reputation, Canadian agriculture and growers’ bottom lines.”

Recognizing that maintaining open markets for all commodities is critical to Canada’s agriculture sector, the Canola Council of Canada, Cereals Canada and Pulse Canada work together through Keep it Clean! to provide growers with the information they need to ensure their crops are market ready. Because growers continue to follow the Keep it Clean! steps, Canadian agriculture continues to keep the confidence of our export partners.