US Crop Protection Groups Rally to Reduce Legislation
12 July 2012 While the United States sees legislative measures that could significantly impact the industry, Canada is seeing its crop protection industry bounce back after a year of decline due to unfavorable weather conditions.
■ USA Report Preview
Virtually all of US waterways could be under government jurisdiction if legislation currently making its way through Congress fails to pass.
Crop protection advocacy groups across the United States are rallying for the legislation, saying that the Clean Water Act would make it extremely difficult for both aerial and ground applicators to receive approval because of spray drift.
HR872, also known as the Reducing Regulatory Burdens Act, was written to exempt United States farmers and retailers from submitting use permits and limit the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from expanding the Clean Water Act.
The Clean Water Act dictates what waterways are under EPA jurisdiction. Current expansion proposals would redefine the term “waters of the United States” to include small waters such as rivers or tributaries and wetlands.
On another legislative note, 90 Senators voted in June to bring the Farm Bill to the floor to continue discussions about budget cuts. The current bill moving through the Senate contains a proposed $23 billion in cuts over the next 10 years which includes the phase out of direct payments, a program that alone costs $5 billion per year.
■ Canada
Jillian Bender, communications officer for CropLife Canada, discusses the state of the Canadian crop protection industry.
1. What factors are affecting Canada’s crop protection industry?
In 2010 and 2011 there was extensive acreage unplanted in western Canada due to flooding, which had a major impact on the sale of crop protection products. Sales are expected to recover in a relatively modest way in 2012. There is also increased registration of generic products in Canada.
There continues to be good growth in biotech seed sales, which is expected to continue. Consumer acceptance is a challenge that impacts Canada’s exports markets, particularly in places like Europe that have yet to embrace plant biotechnology despite internationally accepted science that demonstrates its safety and the benefits it can deliver.
2. Are there any legislative issues affecting the industries?
Canada and the US have played a major role in working toward the international harmonization of pesticide regulations through NAFTA and the OECD, something from which growers are benefiting through the Regulatory Cooperation Council initiative. We hope to see a faster and more predictable approval process on both sides of the border when registering the same product.
Regulations governing plant biotechnology in Canada are outdated and struggling to keep pace with the rapidly changing landscape. This, coupled with the limited number regulatory personnel and expertise, has led to longer approval periods for new plant biotech traits.
3. What, if any research and development is occurring in the country?
Internationally, the plant science industry reinvests 11% of its total sales into R&D. With public sector funding for R&D declining, private-sector investment continues to be important along with greater reliance on public-private partnerships. Canada is joining the international research community in advancing its understanding of the complex and unique genetics of one of the world’s most important crops: wheat. Canada will contribute to the improvement of wheat varieties, which have lagged behind advances made by other staple crops.
4. How is glyphosate resistance affecting Canada’s agriculture
industry?
This is a relatively small issue in Canada compared to what’s happening in the US. Only a handful of resistant weeds have been identified here in Canada. The industry is taking a number of steps to mitigate herbicide resistance. New herbicide-resistant crops are currently in development, which will offer farmers greater choice and variety. The industry is also enhancing its communication with growers to raise awareness about the importance of proper rotation and agronomic practices. •
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