Make Your Voice Heard – Tell Government to Pause PMRA Transformation

Recently, the Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA) proposed fee increases for pest control product registrations. Alberta Grains, alongside our national partner, the Canadian Grains Council and other industry groups have been actively opposing these increases due to their potential negative impact on Canadian agriculture and the lack of consultation.

Higher fees could stifle innovation in crop protection product development, increase costs for farmers, and raises serious concerns about the lack of transparency regarding how these funds will be used – given the uncertainty surrounding the PMRA’s current direction.

In response, Alberta Grains co-signed a letter to the Ministers of Health, Agriculture, and Treasury Board, urging a delay in the fee proposal until a more thorough and transparent consultation takes place. Although this request was denied, Alberta Grains and its partners remain committed to advocating for Health Canada to withdraw the fee proposal.

Now, while the rest of Canada is seized with an existential threat from our largest trading partner, Health Canada's Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA) is busy adding layers of red tape and costs that threaten the competitiveness of Canadian farmers. It is quickly moving forward with the final stages of its Transformation Agenda, which is out of touch with the current government and industry focus on driving economic growth and competitiveness for Canada. These changes will only serve to keep crop protection innovation out of Canada, removing valuable tools farmers need to continue to provide the healthiest, safest and most abundant food products possible. Tell the government that the PMRA Transformation Agenda is out of touch with the urgent need to make Canada more competitive.