PROVINCE APPROVED FOR EMERGENCY STRYCHNINE USE

Producers in Saskatchewan will continue to have access to two per cent liquid strychnine to help control the gopher population in 2009.

The Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA) has approved the provincial government's application to extend the emergency registration of the rodenticide to July 31, 2009.

The Government of Saskatchewan is pleased the federal government worked quickly to process the province's application.

"Gopher damage to crop and forage land in many parts of Saskatchewan has been extensive," Agriculture Minister Bob Bjornerud said. "Until we find a long-term solution for gophers, producers need access to effective control products. I want to thank Minister Ritz and MP David Anderson for their assistance in this approval."

"I'm very pleased with this announcement," Cypress Hills-Grasslands MP David Anderson said. "I've been working on this issue for the last several years. I'm glad the Federal government has been able to work successfully with the province to protect our farmers."

There are 171 Rural Municipalities (RMs) currently eligible to distribute strychnine to their producers. RMs can apply to distribute strychnine by sending a letter to Saskatchewan Agriculture indicating producers in their RM have experienced significant crop and/or forage loss due to gopher damage.

"This is good news for Saskatchewan producers," SARM president David Marit said. "We knew it was going to take more than one year to manage the gopher population and therefore we appreciate the continued recognition of the problem by both the federal and provincial governments."

For information on accessing strychnine, producers should contact their local RM office.

This emergency strychnine registration expires July 31, 2009, at which point the province will have the option to re-apply to PMRA.

Saskatchewan producers, RMs and First Nations Bands are also reminded that they are still eligible for one-time compensation under the Gopher Control Rebate Program. The program will reimburse 50 per cent of the cost of strychnine and other control products purchased and used between August 1, 2007, and October 1, 2008. The deadline to apply is January 30, 2009.

For information on the Gopher Control Rebate Program, producers can call 1-866-947-9113 or e-mail gopher@gov.sk.ca.

-30-

For more information, contact:

Jenna Webb
Saskatchewan Agriculture
Regina, Phone: 306-787-2359
Email: jenna.webb@gov.sk.ca