Keep it Clean Reminds Farmers to Protect Pulse Exports by Avoiding High Risk Herbicide Use.
Pulse growers are being urged to avoid using glufosinate-ammonium on pulse crops due to concerns about pesticide residue limits in international markets. Keep it Clean warns that using the herbicide could create challenges for Canadian pulse exports and increase the risk of trade disruptions.
Glufosinate-ammonium is a non-selective herbicide that is used in some cropping systems. However, many countries that import Canadian pulses either do not have established maximum residue limits (MRLs) for this product or have limits that are extremely low. As a result, even small residues could create compliance issues and affect market access.
Growers should be aware that glufosinate is registered in Western Canada only for certain generic products on lentils. Despite this registration, industry experts recommend that it should not be used on lentils. Using glufosinate on other pulse crops is considered off-label and is not permitted.
The Canadian pulse industry relies heavily on exports, with products shipped to more than 130 countries around the world. Each market has its own pesticide residue requirements, and these standards may differ from those used in Canada.
In recent years, importing countries have increased residue monitoring, expanded testing programs, and improved testing sensitivity. This has raised the importance of ensuring all exported crops meet international requirements.
To help reduce residue-related risks, growers are encouraged to use only approved crop protection products and carefully follow all product label directions. This includes paying close attention to application rates, timing, and pre-harvest intervals.
Industry organizations, including Pulse Canada and its partners, continue to work on reducing MRL-related trade risks. Their efforts include identifying potential concerns, communicating risks to growers, supporting the establishment of MRLs in export markets, and promoting international cooperation on pesticide regulations.
Photo Credit: Pexels - Mohd Adnan Khan