The Federal Government has announced the next steps in a sustainable approach to pesticide management.
Two years ago they paused the evaluation reviews on the maximum residue limits (MRL's) for pesticides.
Following consultation with stakeholders to better understand Canadians’ expectations about the pesticide regulatory review process and its transparency, Health Canada has restarted the science-based process of evaluating acceptable increases to pesticide residue limits, in line with international guidelines.
Agriculture Minister Marie-Claude Bibeau says people want to know more about what they eat and that it was important to make available more independent data and add transparency to the process as well.
She says they are once again resuming the analysis of MRL's on pesticides as before adding that the PMRA will make sure that have been authorized will never reach
the top level it will always stay within this limit that they have set.
"I mean with additional transparency, and additional independent support, independent data. It will always be based on science, of course. and we have also taken the decision to stop using pesticides on federal lands when it's not essential and it's for cosmetic use."
Bibeau says its about reducing the risks associated with pesticides to biodiversity, adding that decisions are based on science and there is absolutely no risk in terms of food safety,
"We need pesticides. We need this type of input for food security, for farmers' livelihood as well. So, this is why I think we're taking a good approach to make a responsible use and management of pesticides in the country."
She says from an agricultural point of view there is absolutely no intention to ban or to make anything mandatory.
"We know that farmers are professional, they are trained to utilize pesticides in the appropriate way, we know that they use an integrated management approach. So yes, they have to use pesticides of course, but they know there are different products on the market. They can apply different practices, they have access to new technologies. Research and innovation is continuing. So we are confident that farmers are using it in a responsible manner."
More information can be found on Health Canada's website here.