Push for ‘Glyphosate-Free’ Causes Market Risks

Glyphosate is registered for pre-harvest weed control in many Canadian crops.

But with public and food industry attention on the herbicide, applying it to a crop in August is still a major market risk for farmers and Canada’s grain trade.

For instance, it can be sprayed on pulse crops to control weeds, because maximum residue limits (MRLs) for glyphosate are well-established in Canada’s major markets for pulse crops, said Greg Hartley, director, crop protection with Pulse Canada.

“(In some markets), glyphosate MRLs are typically at a level that’s higher than the Canadian MRLs, right now. That being said… it’s still a marketing risk. Whether it’s due to consumer perception or market-driven factors, where it’s a buyer placing potential restrictions,” he said. “This is a big concern. We do see more companies pushing towards glyphosate-free.”

Bartley made the comments during an Aug. 1 webinar hosted by Keep It Clean — an initiative of the Canola Council of Canada, Pulse Canada, Cereals Canada and the Prairie Oat Growers Association.