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Grain Farmers of Ontario encouraged by PMRA consultation

GUELPH, ON (December 16, 2013) – Grain Farmers of Ontario responded to the Pest Management Regulatory Agency’s (PMRA’s) call for public input on its Notice of Intent regarding bees and neonicotinoid pesticides during the 90-day comment period made available to stakeholders, which closed last week.

A standardized letter was available for members to submit in response to the consultation.  Neonicotinoid seed treatment is an important tool to manage risk from insect damage for the farmer-members of Grain Farmers of Ontario. The letter requested policymakers to stay on course with a science-based regulatory process that will benefit all involved and highlighted the importance of treated seed to grain farmers across the province.

“We appreciate the chance to express our need for these products during the consultation period,” says Barry Senft, CEO of Grain Farmers of Ontario. “We hope to continue collaboration with all stakeholders to find a solution that works for both beekeepers and farmers. The consultation period allowed us to focus on the importance of sound science and our farmers’ need for technology. ”

The Grain Farmers of Ontario submission is available for viewing at www.gfo.ca. The consultation period for the Notice of Intent closed yesterday. Results will be made available on the Health Canada website. 

Grain Farmers of Ontario

Grain Farmers of Ontario is the province’s largest commodity organization, representing Ontario’s 28,000 corn, soybean and wheat farmers. The crops they grow cover 6 million acres of farm land across the province, generate over $2.5 billion in farm gate receipts, result in over $9 billion in economic output and are responsible for over 40,000 jobs in the province.

Contact:

Barry Senft, CEO – 1-800-265-0550; bsenft@gfo.ca