Good morning. Thank you, Mr. Chair.
It is my pleasure to appear before this committee to discuss the department's activities regarding the multi-stakeholder forum, following Health Canada's publication of its proposed re-evaluation decision on imidacloprid.
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) plays a facilitator role in bringing key players together in an effort to reach a common understanding of the issue and develop potential ways forward.
Neonics, including imidacloprid, are important insecticides for Canadian agricultural producers. Over the last two decades, they have replaced many active ingredients from previous generations and are commonly used by our trading partners.
Neonics are used on many crops including canola, soybeans, corn, pulses, horticulture crops such as potatoes and carrots, and to a lesser extent, wheat and barley. For many of these crops, neonics are applied as a seed treatment, where the coatings are applied to the seed before planting, which helps to contain and isolate the active ingredient. Neonics are also used as a foliar spray, where the pesticide is sprayed onto the leaves and fruit of the plant, as well as a soil application, where the pesticide is placed into furrows in the soil.
Given the widespread use and importance of pesticides to the agriculture sector, AAFC facilitated the multi-stakeholder forum for neonicotinoids. This forum brings together representatives from the agriculture industry, environmental stakeholders, academics, and officials from provincial and federal governments. Three working groups have been established, focused on environmental monitoring, mitigation of risks, and identification of alternatives.
The environmental monitoring working group is examining water monitoring data related to neonic levels in the environment. The working group obtained all data considered by PMRA for the proposed risk assessment, and any data that was brought to light subsequent to the publication of the draft report. Data collected by this working group is designed to help pinpoint specific application methods, uses, or other factors that may result in higher or lower levels in water.
The mitigation working group is researching and exploring possible risk mitigation actions that could lower concentrations of neonic actives in the environment below any risk thresholds identified by PMRA to cause harm to aquatic insects.
The alternatives working group is examining alternative products to imidacloprid for various crops and pest pressures. The working group is identifying whether there are alternative products available, whether those alternative products have disease or insect resistance, and providing a grower assessment of their viability as alternatives.
The working groups plan to submit their data and work plans to PMRA during the consultation period.
AAFC recognizes that changes to the availability of pest control products could have implications for farmers and the agricultural sector. Through open engagement and consultation, AAFC will continue to work with stakeholders and Health Canada to identify the best possible solutions.
Thank you very much.