"Monsanto is more powerful than the government," said Minister of Agriculture
our survey reveals a record of pesticide use in agriculture. Many of these products are recognized for their risks to the environment and health. The agriculture minister promised to act, but he admits that it will not be easy.
A text by Thomas Gerbet
"They are even more powerful than the government of Quebec. "Says Minister Pierre Paradis talking pesticide companies as" Monsanto and others of this kind. " Economic pressure on farmers is very strong, particularly in the context of international trade agreements.
His statement at the antenna of FM 98.5 shows the difficulty the government achieve its goal of reducing by 25% the presence of these chemicals on the fields. It is even the opposite happens.
"It has effects on health and those most concerned are farmers. "- Pierre Paradis, Minister of Agriculture
The Minister of Agriculture has focused on training in the agricultural community, prevention and education. It also promises to better inform the public on food labels. Some fruits and vegetables can contain tens of traces of pesticides.
The Environment Minister David Heurtel in Quebec Photo: PC / Jacques Boissinot
A strategy will be announced "very soon"
Minister Paradis phoned his colleague of the Environment on Wednesday, asking him to be "severe" on it with the farming community. Asked at the exit of the Liberal caucus, David Heurtel ensures a better management of pesticides strategy is being prepared.
"We're on the case, we will file the strategy very quickly. For us it is an important issue that must be addressed and we will fix it. "- David Heurtel, Minister of the Environment of Quebec
The example of Ontario
The Minister of Agriculture of Quebec must meet his counterpart in Ontario today. "We will follow the footsteps of Ontario, there is a little bit back. We have some catching up to do, "says Pierre Paradis.
Ontario has promised to eradicate almost neonicotinoids its territory by 2017. These insecticides are highly controversial because of their impact on bee colonies.
Pierre Paradis also wants to ensure that untreated seeds are sold and readily available to producers. Many complain that they do not have access or difficult.
Reaction of the Parti Quebecois and Équiterre
The spokesman of the Parti Quebecois in terms of Environment, Mathieu Traversy, ask to see the strategy of the Minister Heurtel. It blamed its lack of transparency. "Is that still legitimate to use these pesticides in Quebec and is it still safe? "He asks.
For its part, the general director of Équiterre, Sydney Ribaux is very surprised at the statement by the Minister of Agriculture on the power of Monsanto. "Quebec has the authority to regulate the sale and use of pesticides," he recalls.
"The Government of Quebec could, and he has done, prohibit the use of a pesticide. "- Sydney Ribaux, executive director of Equiterre
our survey reveals a record of pesticide use in agriculture. Many of these products are recognized for their risks to the environment and health. The agriculture minister promised to act, but he admits that it will not be easy.
A text by Thomas Gerbet
"They are even more powerful than the government of Quebec. "Says Minister Pierre Paradis talking pesticide companies as" Monsanto and others of this kind. " Economic pressure on farmers is very strong, particularly in the context of international trade agreements.
His statement at the antenna of FM 98.5 shows the difficulty the government achieve its goal of reducing by 25% the presence of these chemicals on the fields. It is even the opposite happens.
"It has effects on health and those most concerned are farmers. "- Pierre Paradis, Minister of Agriculture
The Minister of Agriculture has focused on training in the agricultural community, prevention and education. It also promises to better inform the public on food labels. Some fruits and vegetables can contain tens of traces of pesticides.
A strategy will be announced "very soon"
Minister Paradis phoned his colleague of the Environment on Wednesday, asking him to be "severe" on it with the farming community. Asked at the exit of the Liberal caucus, David Heurtel ensures a better management of pesticides strategy is being prepared.
"We're on the case, we will file the strategy very quickly. For us it is an important issue that must be addressed and we will fix it. "- David Heurtel, Minister of the Environment of Quebec
The example of Ontario
The Minister of Agriculture of Quebec must meet his counterpart in Ontario today. "We will follow the footsteps of Ontario, there is a little bit back. We have some catching up to do, "says Pierre Paradis.
Ontario has promised to eradicate almost neonicotinoids its territory by 2017. These insecticides are highly controversial because of their impact on bee colonies.
Pierre Paradis also wants to ensure that untreated seeds are sold and readily available to producers. Many complain that they do not have access or difficult.
Reaction of the Parti Quebecois and Équiterre
The spokesman of the Parti Quebecois in terms of Environment, Mathieu Traversy, ask to see the strategy of the Minister Heurtel. It blamed its lack of transparency. "Is that still legitimate to use these pesticides in Quebec and is it still safe? "He asks.
For its part, the general director of Équiterre, Sydney Ribaux is very surprised at the statement by the Minister of Agriculture on the power of Monsanto. "Quebec has the authority to regulate the sale and use of pesticides," he recalls.
"The Government of Quebec could, and he has done, prohibit the use of a pesticide. "- Sydney Ribaux, executive director of Equiterre
