Photo by Glenn Lowson

The Pest Management Centre (PMC) along with provincial minor use coordinators (PMUCs) are fast approaching the last stage of this year’s priority setting exercise to identify research projects. A Virtual Priority Setting Workshop will be held with stakeholders on July 9 says Dr. Marcos Alvarez, executive director, PMC. 

Due to limitations posed by COVID-19, the PMC’s capacity analysis showed that a maximum of 10 new “A” Priority projects could be taken on for 2020. Together, it was agreed that:

-  each region (i.e., BC, Prairies, ON, QC, Atlantic) would each select one regional priority;

-   an APWS priority (A Priority Without Solution) originating from a previous screening project would go forward as an Automatic A (AA) priority – Blossom blight on coriander; and 

-   the remaining four national priorities would be selected during the upcoming Virtual Priority Setting Workshop with stakeholders.

Following consultations with PMUCs, registrants, and the Pest Management Regulatory Agency, a list comprised of 47 “BB” priorities was generated for the selection of the final “A” priorities. To help stakeholders (i.e., growers and grower representatives) make their final selection of the four “A” priorities, the PMC conducted a merit analysis on each priority which included: (i) the number of modes of action currently registered in Canada; (ii) the number of PMC projects previously undertaken targeting this pest; and (iii) whether or not the product is currently registered in the U.S.

The PMC will conduct another capacity analysis before this year’s IR-4 Food Use Workshop in September, 2020, to determine if its operational capacity has improved and will allow us to take on additional joint projects with IR-4.

Source:  Pest Management Centre June 24, 2020 letter to stakeholders