Should a New Plant-Based Herbicide Be Approved for Greenhouses and Nurseries?
Official title: Consultation on pelargonic acid and Beloukha Herbicide, Proposed Registration Decision PRD2025-02
Health Canada is considering whether to approve a new herbicide called Beloukha, made from pelargonic acid—a fatty acid found naturally in plants. It would be used to kill weeds in greenhouses growing vegetables like cucumbers, tomatoes, and lettuce, as well as around nursery plants and Christmas trees. The consultation period has ended.
Why This Matters
Buy greenhouse tomatoes or lettuce? This herbicide could end up on plants that produce your food. It's marketed as plant-based, but that doesn't automatically mean safe. Gardeners and nursery workers would also be exposed.
What Could Change
If approved, Beloukha Herbicide would become legal to sell and use in Canada. Greenhouse growers could spray it on food crops. Nurseries and Christmas tree farms could use it around ornamental plants. New labeling and safety requirements would apply.
Key Issues
- Should this pelargonic acid herbicide be approved for use on greenhouse food crops?
- Is it safe for use around ornamental plants, nurseries, and Christmas tree farms?
How to Participate
- Review the Consultation Summary document to understand the proposed registration.
- The comment period has closed. A Registration Decision will be posted on the Reports and Publications page once finalized.