Canadian pulse growers will face fewer risks this season when using desiccants and other harvest management products, thanks to work done by the Canadian pulse industry over the past two years. However, provincial pulse organizations are reminding growers to be aware of regulations surrounding use of pulse crop desiccants/harvest management tools this season, in order to keep their marketing options open.

“We’ve made great progress in resolving some of the market access issues we’ve had in the past as a result of maximum residue limits, or MRLs, but some gaps remain,” says Carl Potts, Executive Director of Saskatchewan Pulse Growers. “Being aware of those gaps now will help growers keep their marketing options open later.”

“Understanding the international limits for harvest management tools is critical if growers hope to ensure better marketability of their pulses when it comes time to sell their crops,” says Leanne Fischbuch, Executive Director of Alberta Pulse Growers.

Producers can minimize the risk that their crops will not be accepted in international markets by following simple steps. In addition to applying the products according to the label directions, growers should consult with their processors/exporters about safe usage of products destined for specific markets. Growers are also reminded to consult the attached chart, highlighting market considerations for commonly used desiccants and harvest management tools. “This chart can help producers choose the right desiccant or harvest management tool for acceptance with Canada’s primary trading partners,” says Roxanne Lewko, Executive Director of Manitoba Pulse Growers Association.

In the meantime, fortifying the export process for Canadian growers and exporters remains a top priority for pulse organizations across Canada going forward, says Erin Morgan, Executive Director of Ontario Bean Growers. “In an industry where over three-quarters of our crops are produced for export markets, developing clear and reasonable MRLs in foreign markets is one of the Canadian pulse industry’s top priorities. Together, we’ll continue working to reduce market access issues to ensure we have sustainable, profitable trade partners both domestically and internationally for our growers.”

For more information, please see the Maximum Residue Limit Grower Advisory document on safe usage for desiccants/harvest management tools for 2013.