Grainswest - Winter 2019

Winter 2019 grainswest.com 39 by the PMRA. This Nov. 23, 2016 report concluded there were concerns related to aquatic invertebrates. Its findings triggered special re-evaluations of two other common neonics— thiamethoxam and clothianidin—also based on potential risk to the health of the aquatic species. During the 120-day consultation period on imidacloprid, more than 46,000 comments were submitted to the government on its proposed ban. The final proposals may push for the complete revocation of all three ingredients in outdoor operations with the exception of thiamethoxam in greenhouses. “My concern is that not only are Canadian growers losing significant and important active ingredients, the reputation [of Canada] as a predictable scientific country to come to might erode the attractiveness for new chemistries, as well,” said Petelle. The publication of the imidacloprid decision was released after press time. The decisions for thiamethoxan and clothianidin are expected in January 2020. SO, HOWDID CANADA GET HERE? In January 2016, the Auditor General’s office published a report by the PMRA on its study of the government agency’s activities during fiscal year 2014/15. Julie Gelfand, Canada’s federal commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development, made a three-minute video to publicly lambaste the agency for various infractions in what was effectively a disciplinary report. Of the seven recommendations that came down on the PMRA, most related to correcting poor internal controls and lack of oversight. The report suggested these deficiencies resulted in lost productivity, misspent work time and in the agency falling behind on re-evaluations of critical ingredients. Any active ingredient becomes subject to a special review prior to its 15-year operating period if an OECD country prohibits that active ingredient due to health or environmental concerns. Today, there are still about 30 outstanding active ingredients that require PMRA re-evaluations. In February 2018, the European Food Safety Authority published a report about risks associated with the three neonicotinoids and their potential threat to bees, which was years in the making. Two months later, EU member states approved the European Commission’s pitch to ban all outdoor uses of the three active ingredients currently being debated in Canada. The decision came into force May 29 with a grace period that recently expired on Dec. 19, 2018. The state of affairs in Europe was perhaps spurred on by Canada’s expedited pace of re-evaluations. “Now, PMRA is under self-imposed deadline to get them all cleared out,” said Petelle of re-evaluations. “Whether it was dragging their heels or the complexity of some of these chemistries; now, in their haste to complete these, to clear them off their books, they’re inadvertently creating upheaval in the industry.” “My concern is that not only are Canadian growers losing significant and important active ingredients, the reputation [of Canada] as a predictable scientific country to come to might erode the attractiveness for new chemistries, as well.” — Pierre Petelle Photo:Courtesyof CropLifeCanada CEO of CropLife Canada, Pierre Petelle, points out that the PMRA fast-tracked the introduction of neonics as great alternatives to organophosphates.