Proposed ‘neonic’ regulations has farmers concerned

Local farmers and agricultural representatives expressed their concern to Chatham-Kent council on Monday(Jan. 12) about proposed regulations on “neonics.”

A total of six deputations were given to council, all concerned with the economic impact stemming from the proposal made by the Ontario government in November: “Enhancing Pollinator Health and Reducing the Use of Neonicotinoid Pesticides in Ontario.”

“This proposal will take us backwards,” said Steve Denys, vice-president of sales and marketing for Pride Seeds in Chatham-Kent. “We stand united with farmers in opposition” of this proposal.

Mark Houston, vice chair of the Grain Farmers of Ontario, said the province has no plan to make up for the loss in revenues these changes would have of the farming economy.

“It would have a huge impact,” he said.

Representatives from the Seed Corn Growers of Ontario, Kent Federation of Agriculture, Devolder Farms and the Ontario Federation of Agriculture also provided deputations to council, all with similar messages.

Kim Cooper, the agriculture specialist for Chatham-Kent’s economic development department, said in a report that
neonicotinoids (neonics) are a class of neuro-active insecticides chemically similar to nicotine.

“In Ontario, neonics have been used as a seed treatment for corn and soybean producers starting in 2004,” Cooper said. “This has allowed farmers to move away from full-field foliar spraying. Neonics are currently used on the majority of Ontario’s corn (90%) and soybean (60%) crops. They are also used on many fruit and vegetable crops.”

Cooper said the province’s proposal includes:

– working towards a goal of 80% reduction in the number of acres planted with neonicotinoid-treated corn and soybean seed by 2017

– reducing the over-winter honeybee mortality rate to 15% by 2020

– Establishing a comprehensive pollinator health action plan

“There are basically two sides on this issue, but it is important to realize both of these groups want the same thing; which is healthy pollinator health and environmental stewardship in regards to bees and other pollinators,” Cooper said in his report.

The two groups Cooper is referring to are:

– Industry organizations including the Grain Farmers of Ontario (GFO), Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association, Ontario Seed Corn Growers, Ontario Agri-Business Association, plus others

– The Ontario Beekeepers Association

After hearing the requests made during the deputations, North Kent Coun. Leon Leclair made a successful motion to have Chatham-Kent contact the Western Ontario Wardens’ Caucus along with Rural Ontario Municipal Association, in order to gather support.

“Chatham-Kent is a leader in Ontario,” Leclair said. “There is potential harm for our community.”

Leclair added that neonics are something the province needs.

“It’s a big deal for Chatham-Kent,” he said.

Mayor Randy Hope, who is the newly elected chair of the Western Ontario Wardens’ Caucus, said he hopes to setup a sit down meeting with the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Affairs to ensure Chatham-Kent’s voice is heard on this issue.

Hope added a working committee should be formed “as soon as possible” comprising of local farmers and agricultural representatives, to ensure all the proper information is gathered.

“We need your help as a community,” he said.

Cooper said in his report if the proposal isapproved, new rules on the use of neonicotinoids will be in place by July 1, 2015, in time for the 2016 agricultural planting season.