Farmers have to jump through a few hoops to use neonicotinoid-treated corn and soybean seeds beyond next season, including a half-day course in integrated pest management (IPM).
Provincial regulations that came into effect this past July require farmers to be IPM certified to buy treated seeds or perform a soil assessment as of Aug. 31, 2016. The regulations, intended to reduce treated seed acreage by 80 per cent in two years’ time to protect bees, do not apply to popping or sweet corn, fungicide-treated seeds, or seed production under contract.
Offered for free until next August by the Ridgetown campus of the University of Guelph, half-day IPM training will review the new requirements, pest identification, planting best management practices, and pollinator protection from neonicotinoid exposure.
Farmers must pass the open-book assessment with a grade of at least 75 per cent. Marks and certificates will be mailed within 20 business days of course completion.
Certification is valid for five years and an IPM-certified farmer can supervise up to seven people planting.
In-person sessions started on Nov. 3 and will be held in at least 27 locations across the province. See the sidebar on this page for dates announced so far. Farmers who prefer the online course require high-speed Internet and a time commitment of four hours over two days.
Register online at www.ipmcertified.ca or by calling 1-866-225-9020.
Here is a list of Ontario locations for in-person integrated pest management training.
Woodstock: Nov. 13
Simcoe: Nov. 18, Jan. 21
Elora: Nov. 19*
Chatham: Nov. 24*
Winchester: Nov. 25
Wyoming: Nov. 25,* Jan. 21, Jan. 27
Harrow: Dec. 2*
Dresden: Dec. 7
Clinton: Dec. 8*
Ridgetown: Dec. 10,* Jan. 28
Lindsay: Dec. 15
Vineland Station: Dec. 17
Smithville: Jan. 12
Teeterville: Jan. 15, Jan. 28
Thamesville: Jan. 19*
Kingsville: Jan. 19, Jan. 23
Wilkesport: Jan. 19, Jan. 30
Freelton: Jan. 19
Norwich: Jan. 21
Tilbury: Jan. 21, Feb. 2
Belle River: Jan. 22
Welland: Jan. 26
Paisley: Jan. 26
Exeter: Jan. 27
Saint George: Jan. 29
Wallacetown: Jan. 30, Feb. 2
*Morning or afternoon sessions full
