Collection program takes obsolete pesticides and food animal medications off farms' hands

ETOBICOKE, ON, Oct. 23, 2012 /CNW/ - For the first time in Manitoba, farmers are being invited to bring in both unwanted agricultural pesticides as well as food animal medications for safe disposal at participating ag retail locations.

CleanFARMS, a national industry-led agricultural waste stewardship organization, has collected obsolete pesticides twice before in the province but this year it has partnered with the Canadian Animal Health Institute (CAHI) to include food animal medications for the first time.

"CleanFARMS is pleased to bring this program back to Manitoba and provide an environmentally safe way for farmers to dispose of their unwanted or obsolete agricultural pesticides," says Barry Friesen, general manager of CleanFARMS. "It's a great addition to partner with the Canadian Animal Health Institute this year and collect food animal medications," he says.

While the obsolete pesticide collection program is already well established, this year's partnership between CleanFARMS and CAHI is a step toward establishing sustainable collection options for all agricultural waste products in the future.

"Members of the Canadian Animal Health Institute are pleased to participate in this pilot collection of obsolete and un-used food animal medications with our partners at CleanFARMS. It is important that we provide producers with a simple, one-stop collection point for both pesticides and animal medications. This program enables just that," said Jean Szkotnicki, president of CAHI.

The Government of Manitoba also provided support for the program.

"An innovative program like this helps farmers better manage waste on their farms while protecting the environment," said Gord Mackintosh, Minister of Conservation and Water Stewardship for Manitoba. "This also builds on recycling and waste reduction commitments in TomorrowNow - Manitoba's Green Plan, our eight-year plan to work together to protect the environment while ensuring a prosperous and environmentally-conscious economy for Manitoba families."

As part of this project, farmers will be able to bring their obsolete pesticides and food animal medications to one of 20 collection sites across the province for safe and environmentally responsible disposal. This program is strictly for agricultural pesticides and food animal medications.

The program comes at no cost to farmers. Collections will take place from Oct. 23 - 25 at the following locations:

Arborg, Viterra
Arnaud, G.J. Chemical Co Ltd.
Birtle, Twin Valley Co-op
Brandon, Acropolis Warehousing Inc.
Dauphin, Dauphin Co-op
Elva, Cargill
Grosse Isle, Viterra
Holland, Paterson Grain
Inglis, Jacksons Seed
Killarney, Paterson Grain
Neepawa, Redfern Farm Services Ltd.
Niverville, Paterson Grain
Oak Bluff, Terraco
Pilot Mound, Double Diamond Farm Supply
Portage La Prairie, Munro's Farm Supplies Ltd.
Reston, Viterra
Stonewall, Terraco
Swan River, Richardson Pioneer
Virden, Valleyview Co-op
Winkler, Cargill

The program is co-funded by CleanFARMS, CAHI and the Manitoba Conservation's Sustainable Development Innovations Fund (SDIF). It is also supported by the Keystone Agricultural Producers.

SOURCE: CleanFARMS(R)

Erin O'Hara
[email protected]
613-230-9881

Tracey Firth
[email protected]
519-763-7777