Growers go south for farm inputs
PURCHASING US CROP PROTECTION PRODUCTS
WHILE THE RISING Canadian dollar has been problematic for Ontario producers there are some benefits to be gained in the form of cheaper farm inputs. Increasingly, growers are using the Grower Requested Own Use (GROU) program to enable them to lawfully purchase chemicals direct from the US.
The Federal Government program allows growers to import the US versions of certain Canadian-registered crop protection products for their own use should they be available in the US at a lower price than in Canada. Several new chemicals have recently been added to the list (see list below).
| Approved Chemicals in the GROU Program |
| Pursuit 240 |
| Pursuit Herbicide |
| Dimilin 25% Insecticide |
| B-Nine WSG (Plant Growth Regulator) |
| A-Rest Solution |
| SUMAGIC Plant Growth Regulator |
| Bonzi Plant Growth Regulator |
| PROWL 400 EC Herbicide |
| Nufarm MCPA Ester 600 Liquid Herbicide (Dagger Selective Herbicide) |
| ASSURE II Herbicide |
| Reglone Desiccant |
| Nufarm 2,4-D Amine 500 Liquid Herbicide (NUFARM Weedar 64 Broadleaf Herbicide) |
| Sevin Brand XLR Plus |
| Bravo ZN |
| GF-120 NF Naturalyte Fruit Fly Bait |
| AATREX Liquid 480 |
| Gavel 75DF Fungicide |
| Touchdown iQ Liquid Herbicide |
| Reflex Liquid Herbicide |
| Roundup Weathermax with Transorb 2 Technology Liquid Herbicide |
| Banvel II Herbicide (CLARITY Herbicide) |
| Basagran Liquid Herbicide |
how to participate
Growers hoping to participate in the GROU program must:
- Complete an application for a GROU Import Certificate, available from the PMRA website at www.hc-sc.gc.ca. A separate certificate is required for each purchase and each different chemical.
- Download and print a copy of the container label of the product(s) you wish to import (available on the PRMA website).
- Make sure you are a registered participant in an acceptable container disposal program. For more information visit www.groucontainerfees.ca
- Send the completed application, along with a copy of the import container label and proof of participation in an acceptable container disposal program to:
The PMRA GROU Program
2720 Riverside Drive, A.L. 6602C
Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0K9
Fax: 613-736-3540
- If approved, your GROU Import Certificate form(s) will be posted back to you. The approval process generally takes two to six weeks, including postal delivery time.
- Before bringing the product into Canada, you must complete the details on the container label, and attach to the container along with the Direction for Use booklet. Both are available on the PMRA website. The label should be attached so that the US directions for use instructions are hidden while all other details remain visible.
- Keep copies of bills of sale as proof of purchase of the GROU product and ensure the product details match the Import Certificate.
- To bring your product across the border, you must complete a Canada Customs Coding Form (B3) from the Canada Border Services Agency and pay appropriate duty and taxes (GST) at the border. The form is available online at www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca.
For more information, visit the PMRA website at www.hc-sc.gc.ca or call
1-800-267-6315.
A comprehensive instruction guide is also available on Grain Farmers of Ontario’s website at www.gfo.ca/production.aspx under “current information”. •
