Pesticide use in Prince Edward Island decreased by close to 20 percent in 1997 compared to the previous year, as the agriculture industry continues to find new ways to combat diseases and insects. The sales figures were released today by the Department of Agriculture and Forestry.
The overall decrease was due to a drop of close to 24 percent in the use of fungicides, but was offset by small increases in herbicide and insecticide use. Part of the explanation for an increase in the use of herbicides is the expansion of total acres of farmland devoted to production in recent years. The use of insecticides has dropped by over 40 percent since 1993.
Agriculture and Forestry Minister Eric Hammill said his department supports industry goals to reduce the use of pesticides. "The industry is to be commended for its efforts to reduce pesticide use through the increased utilization of crop scouting and the adoption of Integrated Pest Management techniques," he said. "With the appointment of an Integrated Pest Management specialist by the department last year, along with other measures, the public can be confident that pesticides are being used in a safe and sustainable manner."
The department also announced that only one ticket for improper use of pesticides was issued under the pesticide regulatory program in 1998. Mr. Hammill said there is a major improvement in compliance by producers, and he is encouraged that educational efforts undertaken by the department are paying off.
A new round of pesticide education courses will once more be offered in the near future. All persons who apply and use pesticides in Prince Edward Island must be certified and renew their certification on a regular basis.
Under the Pesticides Control Act, the department collects on an annual basis the volume of pesticide sales in the province. The figures for 1998 will not be available until licensed pesticide vendors submit their detailed records of sales.