- Grain Farmers of Ontario is extremely disappointed with the Ontario government’s announcement to reduce neonicotinoid seed treatment on corn and soybeans by 80%.
- Despite reductions of bee mortalities by 70% in 2014 and over 90% compliance by farmers of the new fluency agent across Ontario – the installation of planter deflectors by some farmers and the adherence to pollinator BMPs – the government has let politics trump science and practicality.
- The implementation of this near-ban has not been thought-out. The implications will have serious negative impacts on farmers and the public, both environmentally and economically.
- An 80% reduction will result in winners and losers in the farm community. This regulation will put grain farmers at aserious competitive disadvantage both domestically and internationally.
- Loss of neonicotinoid seed treatments will significantly reduce the number of acres of conservation tillage and zero-till farming in Ontario because farmers will no longer be able to control the insects that thrive under these conditions.
| Letter for farmers |
If you would like to write a letter to your local newspaper you can contact Erin Calhoun at ecalhoun@gfo.ca or 519-767-4137 for letter-writing support.
To submit your own letter, reference EBR Registry # 012-3068 and send to:
pollinatorhealth@ontario.ca via email, or via regular mail:
EBR Coordinator
OMAFRA
Strategic Policy Branch
1 Stone Road W., 2nd Floor SW
Guelph, ON N1G 4Y2 •
Re: Public Consultations on Neonicotinoid Regulation
From Henry Van Ankum, Chair of Grain Farmers of Ontario
Grain Farmers of Ontario will participate in one consultation forum, around the proposed regulation to reduce neonicotinoid seed treatment use by 80%, being held this month specifically for the agricultural industry. At this venue, we will explain our numerous concerns around the proposed restriction and within the consultation document.
Grain Farmers of Ontario will not participate in the government’s public consultation meetings being held in London, Toronto, and Kingston. We advise farmer members to refrain from participation at these venues as well. Grain Farmers of Ontario does not feel that a public forum provides an opportunity for professional and reasonable discussion on this complex issue.
As farmers and primary stakeholders in this regulation, it is not appropriate for the government to receive our input in public forums – our input is far too important to be diluted at urban venues by non-stakeholders. We have been advised by the government that the goal of the consultation process is not to achieve the greatest number of attendees, but rather to hear informed and insightful responses. Grain Farmers of Ontario will provide a fulsome, professional response at the consultation forum for the agricultural industry.
Information for farmers, including key messages and a pre-written letter to the Ontario government, are available at www.gfo.ca. There are several opportunities for farmer members to get involved in the consultation process, without attending public forums, and we encourage your participation and support in these activities. For details about these opportunities, visit www.gfo.ca and contact your local Grain Farmers of Ontario district director. •
- Grain Farmers of Ontario is extremely disappointed with the Ontario government’s announcement to reduce neonicotinoid seed treatment on corn and soybeans by 80%.
- Despite reductions of bee mortalities by 70% in 2014 and over 90% compliance by farmers of the new fluency agent across Ontario – the installation of planter deflectors by some farmers and the adherence to pollinator BMPs – the government has let politics trump science and practicality.
- The implementation of this near-ban has not been thought-out. The implications will have serious negative impacts on farmers and the public, both environmentally and economically.
- An 80% reduction will result in winners and losers in the farm community. This regulation will put grain farmers at aserious competitive disadvantage both domestically and internationally.
- Loss of neonicotinoid seed treatments will significantly reduce the number of acres of conservation tillage and zero-till farming in Ontario because farmers will no longer be able to control the insects that thrive under these conditions.
