Regina, Saskatchewan – A new era in pest management has dawned with the introduction of Saskatchewan’s updated Plant Health Act. Effective June 26, the Act marks a significant shift in how the province’s agricultural sector and residents address various plant species, animals, and insects.
Replacing the previous Pest Control Act, the updated legislation brings forth several key amendments. Notably, it deregulates certain pests such as clubroot and endemic species like Richardson’s ground squirrel, grasshoppers, and the warble fly. Conversely, potato wart is newly designated as a regulated pest.
Under the new framework, diseases such as bacterial ring rot and late blight in potatoes, alongside pests like the brown (Norway) rat and feral pigs, continue to be subject to regulation. This approach underscores the collaborative efforts of producers and rural municipalities in sustainably managing pest populations through scientific means.
Furthermore, the consolidation of The Pest Declaration Regulations, The Bacterial Ring Rot Control Regulations, and The Late Blight Control Regulations into a unified document – The Plant Health Regulations – aims to simplify and enhance the regulatory landscape.
The Ministry reaffirms its unwavering commitment to supporting surveillance, research, and extension initiatives across Saskatchewan. This proactive stance ensures mitigation strategies are in place to counteract the impacts of pests, whether declared or considered a nuisance.
The implementation of the Plant Health Act signals a progressive step towards a more integrated and efficient pest management framework, reflecting Saskatchewan’s dedication to agricultural sustainability and environmental stewardship.
