Deadline Closing In For Farmers To Comment On Proposed Seed Treatment Ban

Nov 13, 2018

The Canadian Canola Growers Association (CCGA) says a proposed ban on a pair seed treatments would leave farmers with fewer options for preventing flea beetle infestations.

In August 2018, the Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA) proposed banning all outdoor uses of:

- clothianidin, also known as ProsperTM and PonchoTM; and
- thiamethoxam, also known as HelixTM and Cruiser MaxxTM.

These products are used as seed treatments on a majority of canola seed and are effective at controlling flea beetle populations.

"If you use other commercial products, they don't just control flea beetles, they control all insects and then you're taking out beneficials [insects] and bees as well," said CCGA President Jack Froese.

If the PMRA moves forward with a phase-out, the above seed treatments would not be available after 2024.

The PMRA has also proposed to ban the use of lambda-cyhalothrin (MatadorTM, SilencerTM) on canola, which is one of the main foliar spray alternatives to seed treatments.

The government is accepting comments on the issue until Tuesday, November 13.

Source : Steinbachonline

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.