Controversy over Weed control in Canola in Saskatchewan

May 31, 2016

There continues to be some controversy surrounding the use of the herbicide quinclorac in canola.

The Canola Council is advising producers not to use quinclorac because of concerns about maximum residue levels and possible disruption to export sales.

The Canola Council says exporters have said clearly they will not purchase canola treated with quinclorac this year.

But Great Northern Growers of Saskatoon says there are unfounded worries among farmers in Saskatchewan about a pesticide designed to help control cleavers.

Ash Skinner, CEO of Great Northern Growers says China has never rejected Canadian canola because of quinclorac.

In fact, he says quinclorac is made in China and Chinese farmers are the world’s largest users of the product.

Skinner says there is no basis to suggest Chinese importers are raising the issue.

Source : CKRM

Video: Independent Seed, National Impact | On The Brink: Episode 9

A survey of 200 independent seed businesses reveals what Canada's seed sector actually contributes — and what it stands to lose.

On the Brink, Justin Funk, a third-generation agri-marketer, shares the findings of a national survey conducted in early 2026. The numbers reframe the conversation: independent seed companies in Canada represent upwards of $1.7 billion in dedicated seed infrastructure, approximately 3,000 full-time equivalent jobs in rural communities, and an estimated $20 million in annual community contributions. And roughly 90% of Canada's cereals, pulses, and other small pollinated crops flow through them.

The survey also asked how dependent these businesses are on public plant breeding to survive. The answer was unambiguous. For policymakers evaluating the future of publicly funded breeding programs, Funk argues the economic case for this sector and the case for public plant breeding are the same argument.

On the Brink is a cross-country video series exploring the future of plant breeding in Canada. Each episode features voices from across the industry in an open, ongoing conversation about innovation and long-term investment in Canadian agriculture.