The Canada Grains Council President Erin Gowriluk says decisions need to be firmly rooted in scientific evidence.
"By prioritizing evidence-based approaches, we can enhance environmental stewardship and maintain a strong relationship between scientists and policymakers."
She says while they commend the Federal Agriculture Ministers recognition of the importance of pesticides to food production and security they see two critical areas of concern.
The CGC says the decision to maintain the ‘pause’ on MRL increases appears to be driven by public opinion rather than scientific evidence.
Gowriluk says its difficult to discern any scientific justification for temporarily pausing MRL increases.
"By persisting with the pause, there is an increasing risk of Canada's trading partners perceiving it as an intrusion of ideology into policymaking, contradicting our message to other countries. Consistent and science-based regulation is essential for all food shipments, including the substantial quantities of grain Canada, supplies to the world."
The CGC feels public confidence in regulators relies on consistency between the government's words and actions.
They note that after almost two years of portraying the pause as a temporary measure, the government has now indicated a gradual resumption of MRL increases where deemed necessary, along with implementing a cosmetic pesticide ban on federal lands.
Source : Pembinavalley online