But Pollack warns agri-retailers to prepare for more potential trade difficulties for some seeds and commodities under another new piece of U.S. legislation, the Invasive Species Act, which was passed a year ago. It lists many crops not considered native to the United States, including canola, barley and wheat and soybeans. Still, Pollack remains philosophical and thinks solutions will be found. Usually, these things tend to get worked out, he says. It isn t different anywhere else in the world what happens in the political sphere often isn t reflected on the practical side.
People have to sit down and work it out.
Risks and benefits in seed treatments Canola may be the most prominent crop affected by the current U.S. review of pesticides, but cereal issues will eventually come into the spotlight, predicts Garry Van Den Bussche, manager of seed treatment for Aventis CropScience Canada. You re going to see all new seed treatment for cereals, as well as canola, being looked at for applicability in both markets, says Van Den Bussche. While requirements need to be standardized so the same tolerance level applies to existing products in both countries, he says companies are not likely to develop new products that can t be registered on both sides of the border. And when developing those products, he adds, there is a need for guidelines and security to protect society. On the other hand, you must ensure there is a balance between risk and benefit, he says.