Understanding Ontario’s Regulatory Requirements for Neonicotinoid-treated Seed in 2018
With the Ontario neonicotinoid regulations in their third year, the DEKALB brand is continuing to work to ensure you receive the most up-to-date information and make the right decisions in the face of the new regulatory reality.
Your number one decision should be selecting the best product fit for your farm
Successful farmers choose the right hybrid. Always remember that the number one decision for your farm should still be selecting the right hybrid or variety for your field.
The DEKALB Agronomy team analyzes the performance of the all DEKALB corn hybrids and soybean varieties to determine the optimal placement for each product. This research shows that correct placement of the right seed product in the right environment is a major factor in optimal yield performance.
No matter the seed treatment, a key agronomic choice is to get the right hybrid or variety planted in the right field. The DEKALB Technical Agronomist team can show how different products have performed on land like yours and help you make the best choice for your farm.
to request more information from the DEKALB Brand team on the right hybrid choice for your farm
What You Need To Know About Neonicotinoid-Treated Seeds
In 2015, new regulatory requirements for the sale and use of neonicotinoid-treated seed in Ontario came into effect. The regulations support the Province’s target to reduce the number of acres planted with neonicotinoid-treated corn and soybean seed. The government plans to accomplish this by ensuring that neonicotinoid-treated corn and soybean seeds are used only when there is a demonstrated pest problem.
The regulations define corn and soybean seed treated with Imidacloprid, Clothianidin or Thiamethoxam as a Class 12 pesticide. This is a new way of defining “pesticides”. Many people hear “pesticide” and think of something that comes in a jug; now it can also refer to a bag of seed. To be clear, neonicotinoid-treated seed is defined as a Class 12 pesticide, and, as of July 1, 2015 is regulated like other pesticides.
CLASS 12 PESTICIDE = Neonicotinoid-Treated Seed
More information on the new regulations
The Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change has published resources online. They also have a toll-free number and an email address to ask questions. We encourage you to ask your questions so that they understand the scope of this issue and the impact on the farmers of Ontario.
Guidelines and Forms
MOECC : Tel: 1-800-565-4923
OMAFRA : Tel: 1-877-424-1300
Now that neonic-treated corn and soybean seed is considered a pesticide, what does that mean for those who grow these crops?
If you, as a farmer, do not want any seed treated with neonics…
you simply purchase non-neonic-treated seed and plant.
If you, as a farmer, want to purchase seed treated with neonics…
you must complete the following:
- Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Training
- Offered at various locations and online by the University of Guelph, Ridgetown Campus which is free until June 1, 2017. Your certificate number obtained from completing the course must be presented to your dealer when you purchase neonic treated seed.
- After June 1, 2017, the course will cost $63.36 upon registration.
- Complete a pest assessment report
- There are two options for this assessment:
- Option 1: A Soil Inspection Pest Assessment; completed by a professional pest advisor* (depending on the county that your farm or field is in)
- What is a Soil Inspection Pest Assessment and how do I do it?
- Beginning on August 31, 2017, the soil pest assessment report will need to be completed by a Professional Pest Advisor. This will be phased in a geographic basis across Ontario over time. See the MOECC website for the list of counties and phase-in dates.
https://www.ontario.ca/laws/regulation/r15139 (located at the bottom of the page)
- Divide your farm into “plots” that are not more than 100 acres (i.e. If your farm is 250 acres, you will have 3 plots). Conduct the soil pest assessment on 5 locations per plot (in the above example there will be 15 locations). If the average number of grubs is 2 or more, or if the average number of wireworms is 1 or more in each plot, then a Class 12 pesticide may be used if you submit a Pest Assessment Form prior to delivery of your seed.
- For 2017, farmers could do the soil pest assessment themselves, provided they have completed the IPM training course. No limit to the number of tests or timing for when they can be done has been prescribed.
- Option 2: A Crop Inspection Pest Assessment; completed by a professional pest advisor*. This is done in a planted field where you have crop loss due to insect pests.
*A professional pest advisor can be any person that is
CCA accredited. For more details visit www.ontario.ca/neonics
- Sign an IPM Written Declaration Form stating that you have considered IPM principles
Placing an Order for DEKALB Seed Treated with Neonicotinoids
You can place a seed
order for neonic-treated seed with your DEKALB dealer this fall. We encourage
early orders to help us meet production requirements. Remember, your DEKALB
dealer will need to have the appropriate paperwork (Pest Assessment Form and an
IPM Written Declaration Form) in hand before they can complete your order and
deliver your seed next spring.
Further
Resources
The DEKALB brand is your trusted source for
agronomic information – direct from our expert DEKALB Technical Agronomist Team
– to help you stay informed on relevant issues such as how to scout for pests
and where best to position your neonicotinoid-treated hybrids and varieties.
Click Here for more Insect Scouting Resources
As we have more information on the regulations
and how they are interpreted, we will continue to update this webpage.
Last Updated on: July 20, 2017