Saskatoon, SK (March 6, 2025) – Canada’s leading grain and oilseed producers, who drive the backbone of the nation’s agricultural sector, are calling on the federal government to halt the Pest Management Regulatory Agency’s (PMRA) proposed fee increases. These changes threaten to reduce Canadian competitiveness, stifle productivity, and delay the introduction of critical agricultural innovations at a time when farmers are already navigating economic uncertainty and global trade challenges.
The proposed amendments to the Pest Control Products Fees and Charges Regulations will significantly increase costs for agricultural producers and the crop protection industry, making it more difficult for Canadian farmers to access the latest technology needed to maintain sustainable, high-yield operations. With an agricultural sector that contributes billions to the economy and feeds millions globally, the proposed fee structure places an unjustified financial burden on farmers while offering no clear improvements to regulatory efficiency.
Undermining Competitiveness in a Global Market
Canadian farmers are already at a disadvantage compared to their U.S. counterparts, with higher production costs and regulatory hurdles. The PMRA’s proposed fee increases could see some registration costs soar up to four times higher than U.S. rates, despite Canada’s pesticide market being significantly smaller. Given the recent tariff challenges, such an increase could not come at a worse time.
“Raising fees to these levels does nothing but push innovation away from Canada,” said Daryl Fransoo, a grain, pulse and oilseed producer in Saskatchewan. “We already struggle to compete with U.S. and global markets, and these added costs will only make it harder for us to access the tools we need to stay productive and sustainable.”
Delaying the Adoption of Critical Innovation
The proposal will also create a major barrier to bringing new and improved crop protection solutions to market, including biological alternatives and other innovations that enhance environmental sustainability. Canadian farmers rely on cutting-edge pest management tools to combat climate-driven threats, such as invasive species and extreme weather impacts. Without timely access to these solutions, crop yields will suffer, leading to reduced food production, increased costs for consumers, and greater reliance on imports.
“Every year that we delay bringing a new product to market because of unnecessary regulatory costs, we fall further behind in addressing the real challenges farmers face,” said Darcy Pawlik, Executive Director of the Wheat Growers. “This is not just about money—it’s about food security, sustainability, and keeping Canada at the forefront of agricultural leadership.”
Lack of Transparency and Industry Consultation
Farmers and industry leaders have repeatedly requested that PMRA pause the fee increase process and conduct a meaningful consultation with stakeholders to develop a more balanced approach. Despite a letter from 22 agricultural organizations urging Ministers of Health and Agriculture to reconsider, the proposal was pushed forward without addressing key industry concerns.
“We are not opposed to cost recovery, but we need a system that makes sense for Canadian agriculture,” said Gunter Jochum, President of the Wheat Growers. “The current proposal is punitive and short-sighted. We need a regulatory framework that supports innovation, not one that drives it out of the country. Cost increases without any mention of improving standards, efficiencies or quickening reviews is unacceptable.”
A Call to Action: Halt the Proposal and Reform the PMRA’s Approach
Canada’s agricultural sector is urging the federal government to immediately withdraw the proposed fee increases during this time of uncertainty and work with industry leaders to create a regulatory system that supports both innovation and competitiveness. Key recommendations from our growers include:
- Aligning PMRA fees proportionally to Canada’s market size to ensure continued investment in new agricultural technology.
- Implementing a 10-year fee waiver for new active ingredients to foster innovation.
- Setting a cost recovery ratio no higher than 30%—a structure aligned with the U.S.—to ensure fair and sustainable fees.
- Establishing a minor-use registration cap to protect growers relying on specialized crop protection solutions.
“This isn’t just about farmers—it’s about ensuring Canada’s entire food system remains resilient, competitive, and sustainable,” said Gunter Jochum. “We need policy that works with agriculture, not against it.”
For more information, please contact:
Darcy Pawlik | Executive Director
Direct: (306) 361-5667