In short: in Quebec, certain pesticides can only be applied with a agronomic prescription obtained from an agronomist. It targets atrazine, three targeted neonicotinoids and insecticide-coated seeds, and is valid for one year. Its goal: to reduce the use of high-risk pesticides.
In this article:
What is a pesticide prescription?
This is a document written by an agronomist that authorizes the use of certain high-risk pesticides after analyzing the situation in the field. Introduced by the Pesticide Management Code, the prescription is part of the agri-environmental regulation Quebecer and aims to use these products only when there is no better option.
Which pesticides are targeted?
A prescription is required to apply a Class 1, 2, or 3 pesticide containing’atrazine or one of the three targeted neonicotinoids (clothianidin, imidacloprid, or thiamethoxam), as well as for planting certain crops whose seeds are coated with insecticide (Class 3A). Without a prescription, their application is prohibited.
Who writes it and how long is it valid?
Only an agronomist can write the prescription. They assess whether the application of the targeted product is truly necessary and favor integrated pest management. A prescription is valid for a maximum of one year and covers only a single crop per plot or group of plots.
The producer's obligations
The producer must keep a copy of the prescription for at least five years and provide it to the Ministry of the Environment upon request. Good record-keeping avoids stress in the event of an audit.
How your data facilitates prescription
To make a decision, the agronomist relies on the field's history: previous crops, observed pests, past interventions, analyses, etc. When this data is scattered, the evaluation takes longer. By centralizing it in My Forage System (MSF), the agronomist accesses the farm's up-to-date history and makes writing the prescription faster, while the producer keeps their copies in order. MSF provides the data; the decision remains that of the agronomist. Official details are on Québec.ca and the’Ordre des agronomes du Québec.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which pesticides require a prescription?
Those containing atrazine or the targeted neonicotinoids (clothianidin, imidacloprid, thiamethoxam), and insecticide-coated seeds (Class 3A).
Who can write a prescription?
An agronomist, after analyzing the need for application.
How long is it valid?
Maximum one year, for a single crop per plot or group of plots.
How long should I keep the prescription?
At least five years, to be provided to the ministry upon request.
In summary
Agronomic prescription regulates the highest-risk pesticides (atrazine, targeted neonicotinoids, coated seeds) to reduce their use: drafted by an agronomist, valid for one year, kept for five years by the producer. Since the decision is based on the plot's history, centralizing this data in My Forage System simplify the process for both. Overview in our guide to the agri-environmental regulation.