Furthermore, the regulatory framework is also ill suited to the context of climate change. The Pest Control Products Act dates back to 2002. Neither the regulations nor the procedures take into account the rapid evolution of technological innovations or sustainable agricultural practices.
Here is an example that speaks for itself. On the one hand, the Canadian government rightly supports reducing pesticide use; on the other hand, curiously, the PMRA continues to study the use of drones, which would allow for more targeted interventions and substantially reduce the use of plant protection products. The same applies to precision sprayers.
We emphasize the need to increase the efficiency, adaptability and predictability of registration processes. In Canada, the majority of vegetables are produced in very limited geographical areas. In the event of climatic or agronomic events in these areas, a large proportion of regional production can be lost, leading in the most extreme cases to shortages in local supply. Yield losses in the field caused by extreme weather events are becoming increasingly frequent.
As pest control needs can vary depending on the region, crop type or agricultural practices, it is necessary to have access to a diverse selection of pest control products and methods. Over time, needs are increasing, but control tools are lagging far behind. Furthermore, the pressure this situation places on the profitability of vegetable farms is a cause for concern. Risk management programs that are ill-suited to the current climate context add to the damage already experienced by producers.
In conclusion, the current approach is delaying access to safer and more effective solutions for farmers, which is undermining the competitiveness of Canada's agri-food sector. A rigorous but flexible and agile regulatory system is needed to meet the needs of the sector while preserving food safety and the health of citizens and the environment.
This concludes our opening remarks.