We believe the solution merits a broader and more informed discussion. We have to move away from the very narrow paradigm we have now. Under that model, any time an agricultural pesticide is restricted or eliminated, the only solution is to replace it with another synthetic pesticide. That reflects a very narrow view of farm management, when we know integrated pest management methods exist. Monitoring, prevention, crop rotation, and the use of natural predators, for example, are all just as effective as synthetic pesticides.
That is what we encourage the committee to pursue. It is Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada's responsibility to support Canadian farmers early on in the decision-making process so that they are not caught off guard whenever they have to restrict the use of a pesticide in their production.