Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Februray 26, 2014
As of February 1st, 2014, Fluency Agent from Bayer CropScience is now commercially available through seed companies in Canada.
Fluency Agent is a polyethylene wax-based, next generation seed application technology, designed to replace talc, graphite and talc / graphite blended seed lubricants.
The use of this farmer-applied seed flow lubricant is required by Health Canada’s Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA) during the 2014 planting season with neonicotinoid-treated corn and soybean seeds. Fluency Agent helps reduce dust released and the potential risk of exposure to pollinators from treated seeds during the planting process when use and application directions are correctly followed.*
“The introduction of Fluency Agent is our latest contribution to improve honey bee health in Canada,” said Paul Thiel, VP Innovation and Public Affairs, Bayer CropScience. “As a steward of Canadian agriculture, we have collaborated with growers, planter manufacturers, beekeepers and the government to introduce this product to help address the possible honey bee risk of exposure that can sometimes occur during the planting season.”
In the spring of 2013, Bayer CropScience conducted large-scale field studies with growers and major planter manufacturers, covering more than 40,000 acres of corn and soybeans in North America, including 13,000 acres in Ontario and Quebec. In separate trials, Fluency Agent was shown to significantly decrease dust and the amount of insecticide active ingredient released in treated seed dust during planting. This spring, Bayer plans on conducting demonstration plots with growers on 250,000 corn acres to confirm performance and raise awareness of the product.
“It's pretty simple really; easy to apply, a lot smaller quantity. It worked equal or better than regular talc,” said Ed Benjamins, a grower from Ontario and a participant in one of the Fluency Agent field studies.
As an application guideline, a 400g container of Fluency Agent treats 50 bags of seed or 125 acres of corn. The suggested retail price is $23.99, in keeping with Bayer CropScience’s commitment to offer affordable and innovative solutions to Canadian farmers.
Bayer has been actively involved in finding solutions to improve honey bee health for more than 25 years. Its Bee Care Program includes initiatives designed to further bee health research, engagement and discussion to bring Bayer’s extensive experience and knowledge in bee health under one platform. The development of Fluency Agent is the latest example of Bayer‘s commitment to honey bee health, environmental stewardship and sustainable agricultural practices.
"Bee health is a complex issue and most scientists agree that declining bee health is a result of multiple factors, including pesticides, parasites, diseases, viruses, nutrition, weather and hive management practices," said Rod Scarlett, Executive Director of the Canadian Honey Council. "Scientists, researchers, growers, beekeepers and industry partners are continually working together to identify the issues and solutions to improve the climate for a healthy and sustainable bee environment."
For Pollinator Protection Best Management Practises go to Health Canada’s pollinator protection page: www.healthcanada.gc.ca/pollinators
For more information on Fluency Agent from Bayer CropScience and application tips, please visit http://www.cropscience.bayer.ca/Products/Other/Fluency-Agent.aspx
* Re-evaluation Note REV2013-15, Re-evaluation Update for Neonicotinoid Insecticides
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