Weed notes - Mar. 20

Details

Published on Thursday, March 19, 2015

By Sid Lewis

Supervisor

Around different areas of this district I have been asked, “Who wants the cosmetic spray ban?” In the package given to us by Manitoba Conservation and Water Stewardship, the answer given by them is, “A growing number of health care professionals as well as scientists, academics, environmentalists, parents and women’s organizations are increasingly advocating for action to reduce exposure to synthetic pesticides for non-essential (cosmetic) purposes.

Infants and young children may be more vulnerable, given their relative body weight, rapid body and brain development, ability to detoxify chemicals and given their behaviuor — crawling on lawns and floors, putting their hands in their mouths and their proximity to the ground. Pregnant women, the elderly, those with chemical sensitivities and pets may be at more risk than the general population.”

I do not see any agricultural industry included in the people who are on this list and so it shows this department only wanted one type of people involved — those who aren’t in any way connected with this field.

Many ratepayers have also asked how Conservation intends to police this regulation. They haven’t decided how that process will be handled so 2015 will be looked at as an educational-based program, then in 2016 stricter measures will be taken to those who fail to observe it. Wow! How will they see an agricultural producer or his wife applying herbicides to a dandelion?

It is only seven weeks now until this stress will be over for me and especially my wife Terry, who has been quite gracious in putting up with my frustrations and temper tantrums!

If you have any questions or concerns for Midwest Weed District please phone 204-764-2128.