Crop Protection and the Environment
With the ever-growing population, a safe, affordable food supply remains one of the world’s top priorities. In Canada, crop protection methods continue to evolve, allowing farmers to produce more food on less land, minimizing the need for farms to encroach upon fragile, erosion-prone soils, forests, or wetlands. Modern farmers use computer technology for precise application of fertilizers, insecticides and herbicides. Most practice Integrated Pest Management, a system that combines chemical, biological and cultural practices for optimum crop production and minimal environmental impact. This means less waste, cleaner lakes and streams and improved wildlife habitats.
As an example, new tillage practices like “no till” are made possible through the use of herbicides. Compared to traditional tillage methods, the “no till” approach by farmers can reduce soil erosion by 90%.
Newly developed, low application pesticides provide greater economy for farmers, added worker safety and are more environmentally friendly. For example, weeds in corn fields can now be controlled with only a few grams of a newer herbicide, compared to a few hundred grams of product needed 15 years ago.
Pest control products can help preserve our natural environment and human health. Pesticides control invaders like the Emerald Ash Borer and the Asian Long Horned Beetle, which threaten our urban forest. Trees of all ages and sizes are susceptible to attack. In addition, pest control products have helped to protect the Canadian population from exposure to West Nile Virus by controlling mosquito larvae and adult mosquitoes.
Before a pest control product is allowed for sale in Canada, it must be registered by Health Canada through the Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA). Each new product must undergo up to 160 tests including impact on the environment, flora, fauna and ecosystems. It is through such rigorous tests that Canadians can be assured that not only is their food protected, but the local environment is being protected.