Another use of glyphosate herbicide has been at least partially halted.
Richardson-Pioneer, one of the major buyers of oats in Western Canada, has informed oats producers selling it that oats desiccated by glyphosate or any herbicide will not be purchased under its new oat procurement program in 2021.
The desiccation process uses herbicides to kill the crop before harvest and develop all ripe seeds for harvest and more uniform quality.
Oats producers in discussion with Richardson-Pioneer have been told that customers want undesiccated oats for their use.
Use of glyphosate and herbicides have come under scrutiny since studies by an environmental group showed glyphosate residues, often higher than acceptable levels, were found in breakfast cereals, and granola snack bars.
In June, Bayer agreed to pay more than $10 billion to settle thousands of lawsuits alleging that glyphosate use caused cancer.
Richardson-Pioneer says its will continue to buy desiccated oats as the market warrants.
Oats has been a profitable crop with acreage this year increasing 18.1 per cent to 3.7 million acres, rivalling lentils and grain corn for seeded acres.
The loss of desiccant for some oats may require a premium or result in fewer acres of oats. Use of a pre-harvest desiccant is important for growers when late summer and fall rains cause uneven ripening.
Much of the oats in Western Canada is grown in parkland regions that often experience rains in late summer and early fall.
This may open an opportunity for oats in the drier south parts of the Prairies.
Ron Walter can be reached at ronjoy@sasktel.net
