Frequently Asked Questions
How can I Keep it Clean and help keep markets open for all?
Canadian canola, cereals and pulses are recognized globally for their quality and reliability. This reputation is built on the day‑to‑day decisions growers make in the field.
By following market‑ready on‑farm practices, you help protect Canada’s standing as a trusted supplier and maintain access to key domestic and export markets.
Your practices do make a difference. To reduce the risk of unacceptable pesticide residues:
- Use only acceptable crop protection products
- Apply products according to label directions
- Follow the Keep it Clean 5 Tips
These steps help protect the marketability of your crop and reduce the risk of rejected shipments due to residues exceeding maximum residue limits (MRLs).
What MRL‑related challenges do Canadian grain exports face?
Different standards around the world
Many countries now set their own pesticide residue limits, rather than relying on a single international standard. These decisions are not made at the same time, which can result in gaps where:
- One country has established an MRL
- Another key trading partner has not
This misalignment creates uncertainty for exporters.
Zero tolerance when no MRL exists
In some markets, if no MRL has been established for a specific pesticide‑crop combination, any detectable residue may result in non-compliance or rejection. Importing countries routinely test shipments to verify compliance.
A single rejected shipment can lead to:
- Significant financial losses
- Supply chain disruption
- Damage to Canada’s reputation for quality and consistency
Increasingly sensitive testing
Residue testing technology continues to advance. Detection levels now reach:
- Parts per billion
- In some cases, parts per trillion
One part per billion is equivalent to about nine canola seeds in a super B truck, while one part per trillion is one second in 32,000 years. These extremely small quantities are still greater than zero, which increases the importance of careful product selection and use.
For these reasons, Canada’s entire grain value chain is placing greater emphasis on meeting the residue requirements of important global markets.
How is market risk determined?
Market risk is assessed by considering multiple factors together, including:
- The likelihood that a product could leave detectable residues
- How often residues may occur and at what levels
- Regulatory changes in key export markets
- Industry intelligence on buyer sensitivities
- Pest pressure, use patterns
,and regional concentration of use
When concerns arise, the Canola Council of Canada, Cereals Canada, or Pulse Canada may engage with the company introducing the product and encourage broader consultation across the value chain.
This approach is guided by the Canada Grains Council’s Market Acceptance of Pesticide Use Policy, which outlines how potential risks are identified and addressed.
What is the rest of the industry doing to manage market risk?
Industry organizations continuously monitor developments in major export markets and work proactively to reduce risk. This includes:
- Encouraging responsible commercialization of new crop protection products
- Ensuring market access considerations are addressed before new products or new uses are introduced
In parallel, industry works with the Canadian government to promote more consistent global review processes and import rules. While progress is being made, the international regulatory environment remains complex.
Responsible commercialization is a voluntary process that depends on open communication and cooperation across the value chain. With few exceptions, collaboration throughout the industry has been strong and effective.
Where can I get more information?
For crop‑specific or market‑related questions, contact: