Thanks, Craig.
Thank you again for this opportunity to present to you today.
We represent over 200 greenhouse vegetable growers across the province, responsible for nearly 2,900 acres of greenhouse tomatoes, peppers, and cucumbers. The greenhouse vegetable sector is one of the fastest-growing parts of Ontario agriculture. With over $820 million in farm gate sales, a contribution of over 12,000 jobs to the workforce, and a consistent track record of growth, the sector is a valuable contributor to Ontario's economy. In fact, in 2015 alone our farmers contributed an estimated $1.4 billion to the Ontario economy.
I would like to add some additional comments from the perspective of Ontario’s greenhouse growers. Let me start by saying that our members, like most farmers, endeavour to be stewards of the land and strive to minimize their environmental impacts. lmidacloprid is used for the control of aphids and whiteflies in the greenhouse, and is only registered to be used once a season. Even then it is used sparingly and in alignment with biological control agents.
Biological control agents are beneficial insects that are introduced to the greenhouse to control unwanted pests and greatly reduce the need for pesticides. Results from a recent Canadian Horticulture Council survey indicated that 76% of respondents use imidacloprid as a tool to control outbreaks when other methods have failed. This product, like many neonics, when needed, plays a vital role in controlling unwanted pests as part of an integrated pest management, or IPM, program. A successful IPM program relies on a number of tools, including biological controls, cultural practices, monitoring, and, when appropriate, responsible chemical use.
It is clear that the increase in global trade and the impacts of a changing climate will increase our exposure to invasive pests and diseases. Therefore, it is critical to ensure the appropriate tools are available to combat these new pressures. In the greenhouse environment, the potential for pesticides to escape into the environment is mitigated through the same measures put in place to address phosphorus reduction targets under the Canada-Ontario Agreement on Great Lakes Water Quality and Ecosystem Health. Currently over 90% of Ontario's greenhouse vegetable sector uses recirculation, whereby excess feedwater is captured and treated before being returned to the crop. In addition, the greenhouse sector, in collaboration with the provincial government, has developed a set of tools to address any feedwater that must be removed from the greenhouse environment.
Lastly, Ontario's greenhouse farmers have been looking, and continue to look, for new products that support an effective IPM program. The last few years have seen growers transition towards products that are softer on biocontrols. We expect this trend will continue, and to this end a promising new product has been identified through the minor use pesticides program that may further offset imidacloprid use. This project was selected as a joint Canada-United States minor use project.
The importance of a harmonized review process cannot be overstated, as it ensures a level playing field with our largest trading partner to the south. It is our belief that given the relatively low availability of viable alternative products, the potential for the development of resistance, and the need to remain competitive with the U.S., the removal of imidacloprid as a tool for pest management would be ill-advised.
We thank you for your time and look forward to your questions