Farm group fingers agency for slow introduction of generic pesticides

Farmers of North America say Canada’s overly onerous regulations mean cheaper generic 
farm chemicals are hard to find north of the U.S. border

Afederal agency that’s supposed to help farmers get their hands on cheaper generic pesticides is instead throwing up roadblocks to their introduction, according to critics. Ottawa introduced regulatory changes three years ago to speed up the introduction of generic versions of off-patent pesticides, but the Pesticide Management Regulatory Agency “has not bought into that agenda,”

Noxious weed control to be strengthened in Manitoba

Keystone Agricultural Producers’ president Doug Chorney is anxious to see details on how the Manitoba government will better protect farmland from noxious weeds as part of its ban on cosmetic pesticides. “I am encouraged by that, but we want to make sure that is the case,” Chorney said July 3 in an interview. “It’s important


CropChatter: When do I worry about herbicide injury?

The 2013 growing season hasn’t exactly been setting records for heat so far, so some growers may be stuck trying to balance optimal temperatures with their chosen herbicide’s recommended application timings. Crop injury in some situations may be unavoidable, since both temperature and incorrect crop staging affect crop tolerance to herbicides. But not all injury

Government says pesticide ban backed

The details haven’t been announced, but Manitobans overwhelmingly support banning “cosmetic” pesticides, says the NDP government. “More than 2,000 people participated in our consultations and more than 70 per cent of them were in favour of increased regulation,” said Gord Mackintosh, minister of Conservation and Water Stewardship. “The federal government also recognizes the need for


Letters, Jan. 31

Promise to consult abandoned Regarding the Jan. 24 article “Supreme Court hammers another nail into wheat board’s coffin,” I think for the most part farmers will acknowledge the court’s decision, not to hear the appeal case, and continue on with their normal, everyday lives and challenges. But every once in a while they will be

Pallister calls for caution on cosmetic pesticide ban

Brian Pallister says Ontario’s ban has resulted in grass fields being replaced by artificial turf harbouring infectious bacteria

Banning pesticides from Manitoba lawns and sport fields could have unintended negative consequences, says Manitoba Progressive Conservative Party Leader Brian Pallister. Banning so-called “cosmetic pesticides” — those not used in agricultural production — in Ontario has resulted in “an explosion of artificial turf fields,” because grass fields have been overrun by weeds, Pallister said in


Bipole route fails to consider effects on farming

The needs of agriculture were ranked equally with garter snakes, while birds, mammals and caribou were given extra consideration

The following is an excerpt of a presentation by Niverville farmer Karen Friesen to the Clean Environment Commission hearings on Bipole III last month. The hearings are continuing in Winnipeg through November. Of the 20 million acres farmed in Manitoba, only 25 per cent is classified as Land Inventory Classes 1, 2, and 3 —

Study says pesticide combinations put bumblebee colonies at risk

Reuters / Pesticides used in farming are also killing worker bumblebees and damaging their ability to gather food, meaning colonies that are vital for plant pollination are more likely to fail when they are used, says a study released Oct. 22. The United Nations has estimated that a third of all plant-based foods eaten by


Cosmetic pesticide ban coming to Manitoba

Consultations on a possible cosmetic pesticide ban have now wrapped up, but one farm group is wondering if they will have any impact. Conservation and Water Stewardship Minister Gord Mackintosh suggested a ban could come into effect next year, following a press conference just prior to the October deadline for submissions held by Cosmetic Pesticide

OUR HISTORY: August 23, 1962

Our Aug. 23, 1962 issue reported on record yields in prospect despite heavy rains and flooding from storms in southern Manitoba — a tornado had struck between Elgin and Underhill on Aug. 14. However, editor Q.H. Martinson reflected that despite fertilizer, chemicals, better cultural practices and improved varieties, farmers were still having trouble beating the