Pest control stops pesticide use on fields

By Murray Green

The Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA) recently changed approved uses for lambda-cyhalothrin, an effective pesticide that many farmers rely on to control grasshoppers and flea beetles.

The Pest Management Regulatory Agency is the Canadian government agency responsible for the regulation of pest control products in Canada under the federal authority of the Pest Control Products Act and Regulations. The agency is a branch that reports to Parliament through Health Canada.

Among other changes, the pesticide can no longer be used for any crop that may end up as livestock feed. As a result, its manufacturers have pulled their products from Western Canada.

Due to a continued drought in some parts of Alberta and Saskatchewan, grasshoppers are again likely to be a concern in the 2023 growing season and the PMRA’s decision leaves farmers with one less tool to address potentially destructive pests.

It could also mean the inability for canola producers to sell their products as livestock feed, which could impact availability for cattle and lamb producers. There are also possible total food production impacts in a time of worldwide food insecurity.

“At a time when our farmers are finally finding their footing after a rough couple of years, this decision could set many of them back. I urge the federal ministers and the PMRA to reconsider their decision and make it easier, not harder, for Alberta’s farmers to feed people in Canada and across the world,” said Nate Horner, Alberta Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation. through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

“Without access to effective insecticides, Saskatchewan producers are at risk of being placed at a competitive disadvantage and will be facing significant losses. Saskatchewan supports industry’s calls for an extension to the lambda-cyhalothrin reevaluation decision to alleviate pressure on producers and help ensure a stable supply of feed for livestock,” added David Marit, Saskatchewan Minister of Agriculture.

“With extreme flea beetle pressure, hot spots for grasshoppers and cutworms across the Prairies and forecasted outbreaks, the lambda-cyhalothrin decision could severely impact our yields, our livelihoods, feedstocks and food prices. Lambda-cyhalothrin has a significant market share, and it will strain farmers to source alternative products. The PMRA needs to base its decisions on sound science and be aligned with our largest trading partner,” said Roger Chevraux, chair Alberta Canola.

In 2019, the United States’ Environmental Protection Agency removed restrictions on lambda-cyhalothrin’s use. The PMRA made the opposite decision, which has led to confusion about what will be done about livestock feed coming from Alberta’s largest trading partner.

Horner and Marit have written to the ministers of Health Canada and Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, outlining producers’ concerns and urging them to encourage the PMRA to reconsider its decision.

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