Quebec has had agricultural pesticide use reduction targets for decades. That is part of Quebec's phytosanitary strategy for agriculture for 2011-2021.
The lesson learned in Quebec is that, without a bill, without funding and support programs, it is not possible to miraculously achieve the pesticide use reduction targets.
The good news is that Quebec's Ministry of Sustainable Development, the Environment and Action Against Climate Change finally introduced a bill to establish support measures to help farmers meet the agricultural pesticide use reduction targets. The Quebec government is focusing on 10 pesticides that it considers highly toxic in Quebec, including atrazine and the three neonicotinoids registered in Canada.
Among other things, the bill includes financial support for farmers to consult and implement integrated pest control practices. It would also prohibit the use of these 10 dangerous pesticides unless prescribed by an agronomist. These are the main measures the Quebec government wants to establish.
We are concerned about this recommendation, primarily as regards the professional independence of many agronomists. We would rather rely on independent consultants to help farmers reduce pesticide use.
That is where the debate is at in Quebec, and the bill was just introduced.