Agricultural Pesticide Collection Available

August 10, 2009 – Farmers in the Peace River region will have an opportunity to easily dispose of any obsolete or unwanted pesticides later this month, thanks to a five-day Cleanfarms TM collection program co-sponsored by industry and government.

The program, which is free of charge to farmers, will take place August 24 – 28 with drop-off locations at Viterra ag-retailers in Dawson Creek and Fort St. John.

“The Obsolete Pesticide Collection Campaign gives farmers the opportunity to safely dispose of outdated, unwanted or otherwise obsolete agricultural pesticides,” said Lorne Hepworth, president of CropLife Canada. “Since 1998 our program has disposed of over 2.5 million kilograms of unwanted pesticides across Canada.”

The obsolete pesticide collection program is an industry-led stewardship program aimed at collecting and safely disposing obsolete agricultural pesticides. This year’s British Columbia program is co-sponsored by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, BC Ministry of Environment, Environment Canada, BC Ministry of Agriculture and Lands, BC Agriculture Council, Investment Agriculture Foundation of BC and Health Canada.

“The pesticide collection program is a great way for the BC Peace agricultural producers to dispose of obsolete or unwanted agricultural pesticides,” stated Martin Moore, director from the BC Grain Producers Association. “Changes in crops and crop production methods may result in pesticides being unusable. The pesticide collection program ensures the products are taken care of in a safe and environmentally responsible manner.”

Products will be accepted at 10684 – 213 Road in Dawson Creek and 9704 78th St in Fort St. John. Pesticide products that will be accepted include agricultural herbicides, insecticides, fungicides and rodenticides. Other products will not be accepted.

For more information please contact:

Nadine Sisk

Director, Media Relations 613-230-9881 siskn@croplife.ca

Lynn Lashuk

Agriculture Environment Initiatives 250-860-2967
Lynn@ardcorp.ca