Pesticides
Pesticides
Pest control products, both chemical and biological, are necessary to provide healthy and attractive plants and landscapes. There are significant competitive issues with BC and Canadian growers who do not have access to the safest and most effective products due to our smaller market and extensive regulatory process for registrations.
Minor Use Pesticide Committee
The BCLNA has a Minor Use Pesticide Committee comprised of industry leaders and government representatives working on label expansions for Canadian pesticide products.
Meet the Minor Use Pesticide Committee
Industry professionals collaborating on pesticide accessibility
Minor Use Pesticide Committee Members
- Rob Wein Jr (Grower Chair)
- Mario Lanthier (Crop Health Advising and Research)
- Dardy Vixmar (Van Belle Young Plants)
- Renata Assis Gandra (Van Belle Finished Plants)
- Christina Waines (Golden Spruce Nurseries)
- Lisa Birston (Terralink)
- Alex Howkins (Specimen Trees)
- Caroline Bedard (BC Ministry of Agriculture and Food)
- Karina Sakalauskas (BC Ministry of Agriculture and Food)
Caroline Bedard serves as Minor Use Coordinator, assisting with label expansions for products already in Canada.
Pesticide Regulations & Management
Product Registration Process
- Priority Identification: Products not in Canada require cross-sector/provincial prioritization through the Minor Use Committee
- Federal Coordination: BC's feedback channeled through Caroline Bedard to Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC)
- Research Support: AAFC conducts trials and data collection for priority products under the Minor Use Pesticide Program
Regulatory Landscape
- Conservative Approach: Health Canada's PMRA re-evaluates products every 15 years, sometimes creating market gaps when replacements aren't registered
- Program Reform: Need for increased focus on new product registrations to phase out older alternatives
BC-Specific Regulations
- Legal Framework: Managed through Ministry of Environment's Integrated Pest Management Act
- Certification: Requires renewal every 5 years via exam or 20 continuing education credits
BCLNA's Certification Role
- Continuing Education Coordinator for landscape/nursery professionals
- Credit tracking included in membership (non-members pay fee)
- Requires 3 credits across core categories: Pest Management, Application Technology, Health/Safety
Rodenticide Regulations
- Restricted Use: Only licensed pest control/agricultural services can use second-generation anticoagulants
- Wildlife Protection: Ministry of Environment fact sheet details new wildlife poisoning prevention measures