Resolution 26-03A

WHEREAS, a severe grasshopper infestation may occur in 2003; and

WHEREAS, grasshopper pesticides are very expensive and have to be applied repeatedly to control severe infestations; and

WHEREAS, a need for a contingency plan exists;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that we request that SARM approach the Provincial Government to take a major role in reducing the cost of grasshopper pesticides; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that SARM lobby governments for funds to be made available to municipalities for the purchase of chemicals and equipment for the purpose of grasshopper control.

Response from the Honourable Clay Serby, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Revitalization:

At this time, SAFRR has no plans to implement a Grasshopper Control Policy for 2003. Insect control is an input cost incurred by producers on an annual basis. While the grasshopper levels for 2003 are projected to be high, Saskatchewan producers have dealt with grasshopper infestations, as well as infestations from other pests over the years, and have always made their decisions to control pests based on sound economics and good management practices.

The department is monitoring the situation closely and provides a number of programs and resources to track the severity of the problem and manage infestations. These efforts include the annual grasshopper forecast map, technical information about grasshopper management control, and publication of the annual Guide to Crop Protection that provides information on all registered insecticide control options for grasshoppers in crops and on rangeland.

SAFFR will provide an updated risk assessment based on environmental data early in the growing season, along with an estimated time of hatching for the grasshopper eggs and their development. I would also like to note that the SCIC provides insurance coverage for nature's uncontrollable factors. Producers are expected to monitor their fields and use appropriate prevention and control measures to mitigate their losses. However, incases where the condition of the crop is such that control measures are not economically feasible, or in spite of all reasonable prevention and control efforts, crop losses still occur, insured producers have protections through their crop insurance contract.