Storage

Stored products require protection against pests that can be found in storage containers ranging from on farm grain storage bins to shipping containers. Raw and processed commodities from the food, feed, fibre, ornamental and wood product sectors are subject to damage or contamination by pests such as rodents, insects, bacteria and fungi. Some of the approaches used to avoid this type of contamination include the sustainable use of pesticides.

Storage issues affect many commodity groups and can impact the transportation and trade of goods. Regulated pest control products help protect the commodity being treated and the market for those commodities both nationally and internationally.

The storage sector is supported by many associations. These include distributors as well as processors such as the milling industry. Their pest control needs are covered partly by licensed operators and partly within the industry itself. Sector representation includes the Canadian National Millers Association.

To benefit the storage industry, Health Canada has dedicated staff which facilitates interactions between pest specialists, pesticide distributors, researchers, scientists, registrants and regulators to work towards reducing risks in pesticide use. The goal is to help pesticide users to better understand the regulatory system and best meet their pest control needs.

This work provides stakeholders with:

• an understanding of pest control product issues from the user perspective
• assistance in understanding the processes and requirements of the regulatory system
• facilitated interactions between users and registrants of pesticides to address pest control issues
• monitoring of regulatory decisions to identify and follow issues affecting the industry to facilitate resolutions in their early stages
• assistance in identifying potential alternatives and reduced-risk pesticides inside and outside of Canada

The Health Canada Pest Management Regulatory Agency welcomes your questions or comments. Should you require further information please contact the Pest Management Information Service. If emailing, please specify "Storage Sectors" in the subject line. If calling, please request to speak with the Storage Facilitator.

Related Information

• Pesticide Registration Process
• Canadian National Millers Association