PMRA investigation process
THE ROLE OF THE FARMER
health canada’s pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA) investigated numerous incidents of bee kills in Ontario, predominantly in the southwest, during the 2012 spring corn planting season. No evidence of non-compliance of pesticide use was found; however, the agency has created a list of best management practices (BMPs) for farmers using treated seed to follow. The goal is to reduce the potential for future incidents of bee kills. Information on the best management practices prepared by PMRA can be found at www.healthcanada.gc.ca/pmra.
PMRA is prepared to respond to any reported bee death incident during the spring 2013 corn planting season. This may involve a visit to your farm. PMRA is encouraging farmers and beekeepers to voluntarily report any incidents during the planting season. When an incident is reported, inspectors will respond within 24 to 48 hours.
If a PMRA inspector visits your farm, you will be asked to provide information about your planting activities. The following is a summary of the type of information they will require:
• crop(s) grown
• seeding dates
• seed treatments
• planting equipment
• planting practices used
• pesticide applications
• weather conditions at the time of planting
• knowledge and application of BMPs related to planting of treated seed.
PMRA appreciates the cooperation of producers during all investigations.
For more information, contact:
Pest Management Regulatory Agency
Phone: 1-800-267-6315
Incident Reporting
Email: pmra-incident-arla@hc-sc.gc.ca
Website: www.healthcanada.gc.ca/pesticideincident
General email inquiries:
pmra.infoserv@hc-sc.gc.ca
PMRA Health Canada Regional Offices
Linda McIntosh, Regional Manager
Phone: 519-826-2895
Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food (Agricultural Information Contact Centre)
Phone: 1-877-424-1300 •
