CleanFARMS(TM) to undertake first-of-its-kind study into non-organic
agricultural waste in Ontario

TORONTO, Dec. 6 /CNW/ - CleanFARMS(TM) has been awarded funding to undertake a first-of-its-kind study into the types and quantities of non-organic waste found on farms across Ontario - and how best to safely and responsibly dispose of that waste.

The Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs has committed $140,000 to this project for two years through the Canada-Ontario Agreement Respecting the Great Lakes Basin Ecosystem. The Canadian Animal Health Institute and industry have pledged additional cash and in-kind contributions.

Plastic is one of the largest waste products found on farms but there are countless other waste products generated through farm operations, including un-used or expired animal health products. As it stands today, there is no one single coordinated mechanism in place that allows farmers to easily and cost-effectively recycle or dispose of all of their waste.

As an industry stewardship organization that already runs empty pesticide container recycling programs and obsolete pesticide collection initiatives, CleanFARMS(TM) is looking to develop mechanisms to manage all agricultural waste.

"We've had tremendous success with our empty pesticide container recycling program and our obsolete pesticide collection program. We see an opportunity to build on our existing initiatives to develop programs to manage all on-farm waste," says Barry Friesen, General Manager of CleanFARMS(TM).

With this funding CleanFARMS(TM) will undertake a comprehensive study to determine four key things:

    
    -   The quantity and types of agricultural waste found on farms across
        the province, including animal health products, agricultural
        packaging, and other agricultural plastics;
    -   Who is responsible (manufacturers or first importers) for bringing
        these products into Ontario;
    -   What kind of collections programs might work for these products and
        the associated costs; and
    -   What kind of stewardship opportunities exist for these materials,
        including a risk assessment for each one.
    

The results of this study will provide valuable insight into how end-of-life management of agricultural waste products can help protect the environment, including water quality in the province.

CleanFARMS(TM) will release its final findings in early 2012 with recommendations about possible future industry stewardship options for safe recycling and disposal of various agricultural waste products.

For further information: Erin O'Hara, CropLife Canada, 613-230-9881 ext. 3223, [email protected]