July 13, 2011 – Following recent market challenges in exporting glyphosate-treated lentils to the European Union (EU), growers should refrain from using glyphosate as a pre-harvest treatment on their 2011 lentil crop, according to both Saskatchewan Pulse Growers and Alberta Pulse Growers.
“In order for our producers to maximize their flexibility for sales and avoid market access issues, we are strongly discouraging them from using glyphosate on their lentil 2011 crops,” said Leanne Fischbuch, Executive Director, Alberta Pulse Growers.
The EU currently has a maximum residue limit (MRL) of 0.1 parts per million (ppm) for glyphosate in lentils entering their market (the Canadian MRL is 4 ppm). The matter is further complicated by the fact that, in markets where there are no established MRLs for lentils, countries may rely on Codex Alimentarius standards and adopt the EU’s MRL. As a result, it’s likely Canadian processors and exporters of lentils will require that producers do not use glyphosate as a preharvest treatment on 2011 lentil crops and in some cases may require growers to sign declarations stating that glyphosate was not used.
Over the past number of months, the Canadian pulse industry has worked with Monsanto, the Pest Management Regulatory Agency, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada and the USA Dry Pea and Lentil Council to develop submissions for clear and reasonable MRLs for glyphosate in both the EU and Codex. These requests are currently being reviewed, but it’s not likely results will happen anytime soon, says Garth Patterson, Executive Director, Saskatchewan Pulse Growers.
“The Canadian pulse industry is optimistic that there will be positive resulting decisions regarding permissible levels of glyphosate. However, the approval process takes between six and 12 months, and the MRLs will not be adjusted before the 2011 crop is harvested and marketed,” Patterson said.
In the meantime, producers are encouraged to use alternative harvest management products such as diquat (Reglone) for their 2011 crop. Permissible levels for diquat (Reglone) are 0.2 ppm for the EU and Codex and there are no anticipated issues with residues. The U.S. has no MRL for diquat on lentil, but a process to harmonize this MRL is underway at the NAFTA level.
For best results, growers should consult with marketers on the use of harvest management products to understand any and all market restrictions.
“In order for our producers to maximize their flexibility for sales and avoid market access issues, we are strongly discouraging them from using glyphosate on their lentil 2011 crops,” said Leanne Fischbuch, Executive Director, Alberta Pulse Growers.
The EU currently has a maximum residue limit (MRL) of 0.1 parts per million (ppm) for glyphosate in lentils entering their market (the Canadian MRL is 4 ppm). The matter is further complicated by the fact that, in markets where there are no established MRLs for lentils, countries may rely on Codex Alimentarius standards and adopt the EU’s MRL. As a result, it’s likely Canadian processors and exporters of lentils will require that producers do not use glyphosate as a preharvest treatment on 2011 lentil crops and in some cases may require growers to sign declarations stating that glyphosate was not used.
Over the past number of months, the Canadian pulse industry has worked with Monsanto, the Pest Management Regulatory Agency, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada and the USA Dry Pea and Lentil Council to develop submissions for clear and reasonable MRLs for glyphosate in both the EU and Codex. These requests are currently being reviewed, but it’s not likely results will happen anytime soon, says Garth Patterson, Executive Director, Saskatchewan Pulse Growers.
“The Canadian pulse industry is optimistic that there will be positive resulting decisions regarding permissible levels of glyphosate. However, the approval process takes between six and 12 months, and the MRLs will not be adjusted before the 2011 crop is harvested and marketed,” Patterson said.
In the meantime, producers are encouraged to use alternative harvest management products such as diquat (Reglone) for their 2011 crop. Permissible levels for diquat (Reglone) are 0.2 ppm for the EU and Codex and there are no anticipated issues with residues. The U.S. has no MRL for diquat on lentil, but a process to harmonize this MRL is underway at the NAFTA level.
For best results, growers should consult with marketers on the use of harvest management products to understand any and all market restrictions.
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