Written by: CALEIGH HALLINK-IRWIN 

New year, new position, same column! 

Some of you may know me from my previous life as the crop protection manager at the Fruit and Vegetable Growers of Canada (FVGC). I’m happy to be returning to this guest column in my new role as the general manager of FVGC’s Canadian Potato Council. 

Potato Expo 2025 – Orlando

In the early weeks of January, I was fortunate enough to visit Potato Expo for the first time. This is the largest annual potato industry conference and trade show held in North America, and it was truly impressive to see this many people gather in representation of a single commodity. 

My biggest takeaway was that, despite some differences with our American neighbours, we share a remarkable number of similarities in our issues and concerns. This is especially evident as both of our governments navigate unpredictability and everyone strives to understand the new normal. 

Neonicotinoids

The USA Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has lagged behind the Pest Management Regulatory Association (PMRA) in its regulation of neonicotinoids. In the last five years, Canadian growers have lost some uses of the neonicotinoids, however, the fact that PMRA did a thorough scientific review and permitted continued use where risk appropriate, is viewed as good news by the Americans. A Potato Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program at Iowa State University is actively working toward finding viable alternatives to neonics, including looking at both cost andeffectiveness, and they reported that the program has been promising so far. Of course, these are American solutions, but I’m very intrigued to see the outcomes, and how they might be applicable in Canada! 

Potato Sustainability Alliance (PSA)

The PSA is composed of grower associates, grower organizations, processors, fresh marketers, buyers, NGOs, and allied industries in both Canada and the U.S., including the Canadian Potato Council. What makes its program unique is that there is huge cross-industry buy-in to reduce the burden of reporting while demonstrating and utilizing the benefits of what growers are already doing to support sustainability initiatives. This July 2025, the PSA will be hosting its summer symposium in Charlottetown, PEI!

Overall, my experience at Potato Expo highlighted the ongoing need to strengthen relationships between Canadians and Americans. It became clear that we share more common ground with our neighbors than we often realize. The event showcased the power and potential of the industry when everyone comes together in one space, with common objectives in mind.

Crop protection: the potato perspective

Potato growers’ concerns are not so different than those of the other fruit and vegetable commodities, which is highlighted by the inclusion of crop protection as one of the four strategic priorities in the Canadian Potato Council’s new three-year strategic plan.

 

PMRA

There have been a lot of concerns about re-evaluations this year, especially with the PMRA’s “transformed” way of handling things. We’re already seeing some changes – some positive and some still to be determined.  PMRA’s Transformation Initiative is now moving from a funded three-year program into PMRA’s day-to-day operations. Not all of the consultations are finished yet, and funding for certain essential programs is still in question, but we have seen some improvements through the process. 

One of the major pillars of the PMRA’s transformation initiative is modernized business practices. However we are still waiting for resolution on this front. Changes come with a lot of hurdles, and while we might see more details and further consultations in March of 2025, it will probably be a while before anything is finalized.

Another pillar of transformation is the collection of real-world data, including water monitoring and pesticide use information. Overall, we’ve seen positive changes in this space, and real-world data will help the PMRA make decisions based on practical conditions. However, the status of ongoing permanent funding for these important projects is still in question, which is very concerning.  

CPC and FVGC have been seeing good communication and collaboration from PMRA scientists, especially their drive to obtain accurate and real-life information about how potatoes are handled and grown. This information is critical in helping them understand the realities of potato production in Canada. If you receive surveys from FVGC and/or CPC, please fill them out! Your contribution as a grower is absolutely essential.

Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs)

Since 2021 it’s been clear that most people, especially the public, do not understand MRLs. The PMRA has made big changes to their notification process and consultations, and has made plain language summaries a priority. As markets open up (hello Indonesia!) these MRL consultations and clarity are an interesting but positive change. 

Resistance

Lastly, potato growers continue to have concerns with resistance and resistance management, especially with Colorado potato beetle. This was a topic of discussion in the latest CPC meeting. Advice: be proactive about resistance testing in your region, as there are regional differences in resistance profiles, and to follow best management practices. Any loss of efficacy is troubling, especially when there are limited tools at a grower’s disposal.

With an election on the horizon, however, a lot can change. CPC and FVGC continue to advocate for policies that support growers and ensure they have the tools they need to succeed. Although the world, and the current political climate, is unstable and unpredictable, growers and industry are in this together. By working collaboratively, we can achieve success for everyone.