Farmers Applying Pesticide Could Face PPE Shortage

Farmers may have trouble finding personal protective equipment (PPE) this year.

 

Colleen Flynn is Pesticide Minor Use and Regulatory Specialist with Manitoba Agriculture & Resource Development.

 

"Some distributors in Manitoba have indicated to us that there are shortages and some longer times to obtain materials such as cartridges and masks, the personal protective equipment used by applicators and growers," she said. "These products are limited due to the necessity and current COVID-19 situation."

 

Flynn said some of the shortages might not be noticed until later in the season.

 

"Some people might see it right away, depending on the product. Some products are in short supply but some of them might not be in short supply until later in the year. I know a lot of growers and pesticide applicators already have their masks and cartridges which is good, but growers and applicators, we just want them to be aware that there are these potential shortages so that the products might not be available for them at their distributors right away."

 

Flynn notes its important to always follow label requirements.

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This material is based upon work that is supported by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, U.S. Department of Agriculture, under agreement number 2023-38640-39573 through the North Central Region SARE program under project number ENC23-226. USDA is an equal opportunity employer and service provider. Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and should not be construed to represent any official USDA or U.S. Government determination or policy.