Ottawa, Ontario – May 2, 2022: On March 22, 2022 the Government of Canada opened a 60-day public consultation on changes to the Pest Control Products Act. It is critical that agriculture’s voice be represented in this consultation and that there is strong support for science-based pesticide regulation in Canada. Individuals within the agriculture industry can submit a letter into the consultation in a few easy steps.
Canada has one of the most robust, science-based pesticide regulatory systems in the world. It serves to both protect people and the environment, and enable Canada’s agriculture and food sector to supply safe, sustainable and abundant food.
Pesticides are part of a sustainable agriculture system that was recently recognized in the 2022 federal budget: “Farmers across the country…have already been leading the adoption of climate-friendly practices, like precision agriculture technology and low-till techniques. These technologies can help reduce emission and save farmers both time and money.”
“Now is the time for the Government of Canada to put politics aside and stand behind science-based regulation for pesticides. If the government truly believes in Canadian agriculture’s potential to be a global superpower, now is the time for actions to support the words,” says Tyler Bjornson, executive vice-president, Canada Grains Council. “The agricultural community must have a strong voice to counter the voice of those groups who oppose modern agriculture.”
Canadian farmers have long been early adopters of new technology and innovations – something that makes them global leaders in agricultural production.
“The future viability of our farms relies on having access to both proven and new technologies that support economic and environmental sustainability over the long-term,” says Rick White, President & CEO of Canadian Canola Growers Association. “Canadian farmers compete in a global market, and we cannot afford to lose access to the same safe and effective tools that our competitors’ have access to. Farmers need science-based regulatory processes that support our ability to grow and adapt in an ever changing growing environment.”
Canada is at a critical crossroads when it comes to how pesticides are regulated in Canada.
“This consultation comes at a critical time for Canadian agriculture. Canada has a long history of growing more food using less resources and we can continue to sustainably increase productivity to help meet the world’s demand for food but we need innovation to do it and that includes the latest crop protection products,” says Pierre Petelle, president and CEO of CropLife Canada.
Canada’s pesticide regulatory system is world-renowned and while there’s always room to improve, these changes must be thoughtfully made and grounded in science so as not to jeopardize the entire system. Introducing non-science-based changes to the system could undermine Canada’s ability to compete, drive improved sustainability and contribute to global food security for generations to come.
Advancing Agriculture is encouraging farmers and other members of the agricultural community to have their say by submitting a letter to the consultation in just a few easy clicks.
Media contacts:
Erin O’Hara, vice-president, communications and member services, CropLife Canada – [email protected] or 1- 613-261-0534
Kelly Green, director of communications, Canadian Canola Growers Association - [email protected] or 1-204-789-8821
Sandra Esposito, director of stakeholder relations and operations, Canada Grains Council – [email protected] or 1-613-277-0109
About Advancing Agriculture
Advancing Agriculture is a collective voice to help advance modern agriculture in Canada. It is a partnership between Canada’s plant science industry, agriculture associations and grower groups. Its members include CropLife Canada, the Canadian Canola Growers Association, the Canola Council of Canada, the Grain Growers of Canada, the Canada Grains Council, the Canadian Produce Marketing Association and Cereals Canada.