Dear CSCA Members,
With a high level of interest and attention in farm, national and international media regarding glyphosate residues in crops and processed food products, the Canadian Special Crops Association (CSCA) Board of Directors would like to ensure that all CSCA members are aware of the potential market impacts associated with the use of glyphosate on Canadian pulses and special crops.
National and international regulatory bodies around the world have established tolerances for glyphosate residues in a wide range of food crops. With more than 800 scientific studies and reviews that prove glyphosate is safe for use, glyphosate is one of the most thoroughly reviewed pesticides by regulatory authorities around the world. Recent reviews by Health Canada’s Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA), The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA), the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA), and the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority have all concluded that glyphosate does not pose a human health risk. Despite the uncontroverted evidence that glyphosate is safe, there is increased global scrutiny on the use of glyphosate. Specifically, pre-harvest use of glyphosate is drawing increased attention.
Glyphosate is registered for pre-harvest weed control in Canada. Glyphosate is not a desiccant, nor is it a tool to speed up crop maturity or dry down. For several years, the Canadian pulse industry has been a partner in the Keep it Clean campaign that keeps farmers informed of the importance of following label directions for all crop protection products. When applied according to label recommendations, the pre-harvest use of glyphosate will result in residues that are well below established tolerances. However, if glyphosate is not applied according to label directions there may be incidents of residue levels that can create marketing restrictions for Canadian pulses and special crops. The Canadian pulse industry will ensure that more is done in 2019 to educate Canadian growers of pulses and special crops of the importance of following label directions when applying glyphosate for pre-harvest weed control.
In addition to the increased outreach to growers regarding this matter, the CSCA reminds its Members to be aware of the Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) for all crop protection products for each crop in the destinations to which you are exporting.
CSCA Partner organizations offer a wide range of quality testing services, including testing for residues of crop protection products. The contacts for CSCA Partners that provide testing services are noted below:
SGS Canada Inc.
3260 Production Way
Burnaby, BC V5A 4W4
Contact: Sunil Sukhtankar
Phone: 778-888-4588
Intertek Testing Services
301-111 Research Drive
Saskatoon, SKS7N 3R2
Contact: Tara Bachynski
Phone: 306-934-3600
CSCA Members can contact Mac Ross at mross@pulsecanada.com to confirm a crop and country specific MRL or with any questions on crop protection products including glyphosate. All CSCA member feedback on this matter is welcome.
Sincerely,
Gordon Bacon
CEO, CSCA