Prince Edward Island farmers turned in 27,320 kilograms of obsolete pesticides last year

ETOBICOKE, ON, Feb. 15, 2012 /CNW/ - Prince Edward Island farmers lined up to return their unwanted or obsolete pesticides last year, turning in more than 27,000 kilograms of product.

"This number is significant," says Barry Friesen, general manager of CleanFARMS. "The success of this collection just reaffirms the commitment of PEI farmers to environmental responsibility."

The program was operated by CleanFARMS, a national industry-led agricultural waste management organization. CleanFARMS partnered with three agri-retailers - PEI Agromart, Cavendish Agri Services and McCain Produce - who collected the obsolete pesticides at their locations. The collection took place over a two-week period in November.

"Farmers want a safe and environmentally responsible way to dispose of their old or unwanted pesticides and this program gives them just that," says Friesen.

Since 1998, Prince Edward Island farmers have returned more than 69,000 kilograms of obsolete pesticides. After collection, the pesticides are taken to a licensed waste management facility where they are safely disposed of.

"The program offered by CleanFARMS provides an environmentally sustainable way for PEI farmers to dispose of unused or out of date pesticides. PEI farmers value the service and have used it to dispose of thousands of kilograms of pesticides.  This is an excellent tool that provides us with a practical way to manage pesticides on farm," says John Jamieson, executive director, PEI Federation of Agriculture.

The obsolete pesticide collection program generally comes to the province every three years or so. Farmers should safely store their unwanted pesticides until they can properly dispose of them through the obsolete pesticide collection program.

For more information, visit www.cleanfarms.ca.

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