Grain Growers of Canada is disappointed that the Pest Management Regulatory Agency has denied emergency use registration for two per cent liquid strychnine to Alberta and Saskatchewan and is seeking a reconsideration.
Grain growers in Alberta and Saskatchewan wanted to use it to rid fields of gophers that are destroying crops.
Grain Growers of Canada said it recognizes the importance of strong environmental and health protections, but said the Pest Management Regulatory Agency should also ground its decisions in sound science and reflect on-farm realities.
“Farmers are responsible stewards of the land and depend on practical, effective pest-management tools to maintain sustainable production and protect Canada’s food supply.” Grain Growers of Canada said.
It said the application included enhanced stewardship measures, targeted application windows, and additional safeguards to mitigate risks to non-target species.
It said that by rejecting this request, the current regulatory approach disregards both on-farm realities and the need to maintain agricultural competitiveness and food system resilience.
In its request for reconsideration, it noted that there is a Prime Minister’s initiative to make regulations more sensitive to the needs of the economy.
