Feb 3, 2019Fungicide mancozeb could be banned for Canadian growers
Potato growers in Canada are facing a ban on the fungicide mancozeb.
The Pest Management Regulatory Agency of Health Canada, a federal organization, has recommended that use of the product be banned on potatoes and most other crops. Health Canada cited human health and environmental risks and worker safety as reasoning for discontinuing use.
With a decision currently pending, farmers are being encouraged by the Canadian Horticultural Society and Canadian Potato Council to voice their concern, reported the Manitoba Cooperator. There is an online survey available to do so.
“Right now, (the PMRA) make(s) assumptions based on the highest rate in all the applications to understand how the environment and worker safety is being affected, but if they’re able to find out better data on what is actually happening, then we might be able to keep some of these products,” Darin Gibson, president and research agronomist at Gaia Consulting, told the Cooperator.
There is no timetable on re-evaluation decision.
The use of mancozeb on potatoes and other crops is permitted in both the European Union and United States.
