Protecting plants, protecting life: Canada celebrates 2020 as the International Year of Plant Health

As Canada prepares to participate in the United Nation’s International Year of Plant Health (IYPH) 2020, we are reminded that healthy plants are crucial to food security and the wellbeing of all Canadians. Invasive species and other plant pests damage our crops, ecosystems, forests and natural habitats, which in turn can have damaging effects on human health.

 

This occasion presents a unique opportunity for Canadians to take a more active role in making a commitment to promoting and preserving plant health for generations to come. Canadians of all ages have the power to help minimize the risks to Canada’s plants. You can take action by reporting plant pests in your area and burning only local or heat-treated firewood. Activities such as these, plus an international photo contest, are available on Canada’s IYPH website.

 

The Government of Canada is playing its part by working with domestic and international partners to build awareness about the International Year of Plant Health, and helping to protect Canada’s plant resources. Be sure to join the International Year of Plant health movement in 2020!

Video: Dicamba Returns for Georgia Farmers: What the New EPA Ruling Means for Cotton Growers

After being unavailable in 2024 due to registration issues, dicamba products are returning for Georgia farmers this growing season — but under strict new conditions.

In this report from Tifton, Extension Weed Specialist Stanley Culpepper explains the updated EPA ruling, including new application limits, mandatory training requirements, and the need for a restricted use pesticide license. Among the key changes: a cap of two ½-pound applications per year and the required use of an approved volatility reduction agent with every application.

For Georgia cotton producers, the ruling is significant. According to Taylor Sills with the Georgia Cotton Commission, the vast majority of cotton planted in the state carries the dicamba-tolerant trait — meaning farmers had been paying for technology they couldn’t use.

While environmental groups have expressed concerns over spray drift, Georgia growers have reduced off-target pesticide movement by more than 91% over the past decade. Still, this two-year registration period will come with increased scrutiny, making stewardship and compliance more important than ever.