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control is ongoing. What we really need is to have


governments, science and the stakeholders develop a plan that can be used as a blueprint to be effective against new invasive pests by acting in a timely manner. We need research funding and buy in by all stakeholders and an understanding that we can expect more of the same as time goes on. We need an effective emergency response plan to get on these problems from the initial detection to minimize damage and we need a level of resources similar to those in the U.S. to eradicate a newly detected pest. When the avian flu epidemic nearly destroyed the poultry industry, we saw governments and industry come together to treat the problem.


The horticulture industry needs a program that is funded on an ongoing basis, with clear guidelines of actions to be taken and science developing new products and solutions for an integrated pest management approach. Why is it important to have governments involved? They have the legislative teeth to ensure regulation and compliance and the resources needed to protect Canadian producers and ensure the economic contribution of the tree fruit industry is at its maximum (not hobbled by some new invasive pest). At the moment we have a series of problems if we do not act We could face an industry under siege, going from one problem to the next looking for ad hoc solutions. This could not only cause extensive damage to crops and lost revenue it could eventually put our food supply at risk or unmarketable.


To my point at the beginning, we can scan the heavens for objects that could harm us and that is a good thing. We need to scan our orchards and field crops for invasive pest that are finding a new home in our midst.


Like it or not, the threat of invasive pests will continue for decades to come. We have to be vigilant and ready to ensure we are employing the right solutions to avoid and defeat these unwelcome visitors to our orchards.


— Fred Steele is president of the B.C. Fruit Growers’ Association.


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DuPont™ Altacor insecticide delivers long-lasting insect control for ®


apples, cranberries and grapes in addition to other fruit crops. Say goodbye to oblique-banded leafroller, codling moth, Oriental fruit moth and many other pests. Powered by Rynaxypyr®, Altacor® gets rid of damaging pests while having minimal impact on beneficial insects and pollinators when applied at label rates.1


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Questions? For more information, please contact your retailer, call your local DuPont rep or the DuPont™


® or visit altacor.dupont.ca APPLES BLUEBERRIES GRAPES CRANBERRIES FarmCare Support Centre at 1-800-667-3925


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1 In line with Integrated Pest Management and Good Agricultural Practices, insecticide applications should be made when pollinators are not foraging to avoid unnecessary exposure.


As with all crop protection products, read and follow label instructions carefully. Member of CropLife Canada.


Unless indicated, trademarks with ®, ™ 1476 Altacor Ad_BC Fruit.indd 1 or SM are trademarks of DuPont or affiliates. © 2016 DuPont. British Columbia FRUIT GROWER • Spring 2016 2/9/16 3:51 PM 25


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