CropLife Canada says U.S. tariffs would be bad enough, agriculture doesn't need the added hit from changes to the Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA).
Tag Archives chemicals
CropLife Canada calls for halt to Pest Management Regulatory Agency changes, cites tariffs
The threat of U.S. tariffs means Canada should be doing all it can to keep farmers competitive, CropLife Canada says
Herbicide researchers pick new fights
Different modes of action may overcome a lull in herbicide discovery
Herbicide development has slowed in recent years, but innovative research methods could soon drive significant progress in the field. For decades, the pace of discovery of new modes of action — that is, how a herbicide interferes with the plant’s normal functions — was robust. From the 1950s through the 1980s, an average of one […] Read more
Be wary when asked about spraying with drones
Farmers may ask for advice, but answering may get you in hot water
It could happen anytime. As drone fever sweeps across Western Canada, a farmer is eventually going to ask an agrologist or crop advisor to teach them how to spray pesticides with drones. What do you do? Igor de Albuquerque advises extreme caution. “If the product in question does not include drone usage on its label, […] Read more
Biologicals aren’t the silver bullet
The products can be complements, not replacements, for other inputs
Glacier FarmMedia — Biological products have been touted as replacements for synthetic chemistry and fertilizer in crop production, but that may be a false promise. According to one pitch, if farmers add biological X to the soil, they can cut nitrogen rates by 15 pounds per acre. According to another, biological Y can control a […] Read more
BASF targets partial listing of agriculture division
BASF is planning a partial listing of its agricultural business because the stock market is underestimating the unit's earnings prospects within the group, the German chemicals giant's new CEO told staff on Wednesday.
BASF to prepare agricultural business for IPO, reports Bloomberg
BASF plans to prepare its agricultural chemicals business for an initial public offering in the next few years as part of restructuring measures set to be announced by the chemicals group this month, Bloomberg News reported on Wednesday.
Let’s look at the facts on pesticides
Practical Research: Chemicals found in nature aren’t intrinsically safer than the man-made options
The May 2024 edition of Consumer Reports, published by a well-regarded U.S. not-for-profit independent organization, examined “Produce Without Pesticides.” The article carried a lead statement that some 20 per cent of the 59 fruits and vegetables in its ratings posed a high risk for pesticides. It also made the statement that some of our favourite […] Read more
Water chemistry: a Coles Notes version
Soils & Crops: Conductivity and hardness of water samples show what you can use it for
First of all: readers who have Henry’s Handbook of Soil and Water can check out pages 124-125 for a detailed discussion of water chemistry, complete with calculations. Water is considered to be the universal solvent because it is capable of dissolving more substances than any other liquid. Therefore, one of the first things we might […] Read more
Spraying facts, fallacies and forethought
Experts share tips on what you need to know before you spray
To spray or not to spray? That is the question many farmers will be asking themselves in the coming weeks. While it’s still too early to say what pest and disease forecasts will look like this season, it’s never too soon to start thinking about temperature and other factors that can help to determine the […] Read more
Pesticide safety starts with the label
When it comes to growing crops, pesticides are a vital tool. Pesticides, commonly known as crop protection or pest control products, play an important role on farms across the country. They enable farmers to put food on tables thanks to healthy and plentiful crops. However, using any pesticide product comes with a responsibility to ensure […] Read more
Cyber-Savvy Farmer
