Molecular Farming Company to Achieve USDA Approval for Plant-Grown Animal Proteins
Luxembourg, Apr 22, 2024 – (ACN Newswire) – Moolec Science SA (NASDAQ:MLEC)(“The company”), a Molecular Farming food-ingredient company, announced today that the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (“APHIS”) of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (“USDA”) has concluded its Regulatory Status Review (“RSR”) for Moolec’s genetically engineered (“GE”) soybean Piggy Sooy™. See post online here: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/sites/default/files/23-234-01rsr-response.pdf [1].
USDA Piggy Sooy
The USDA-APHIS RSR determines that Moolec’s genetically engineered soybean, accumulating animal meat protein, is unlikely to pose an increased plant pest risk relative to non-engineered soybeans. Therefore, it is not subject to the APHIS regulation that governs the movement of organisms modified or produced through genetic engineering (as described in 7 CFR part 340).
“Moolec embraced Nasdaq’s slogan ‘Rewrite Tomorrow’ and took it literally! We achieved an unprecedented milestone in biotechnology with the first-ever USDA-APHIS approval of this kind,” stated Gastón Paladini, Moolec Science’s CEO & Co-Founder. “We are unlocking the power of plants by leveraging science to overcome climate change and global food security concerns. I am very proud of the Moolec team, creating value for shareholders and the planet at the same time.”
This milestone reinforces Moolec’s B2B go-to-market strategy for Piggy Sooy™ product, an innovative, functional, and nutritious ingredient. By adding a well-known animal meat protein (porcine myoglobin) to the standard soybean proteins, the company expects to provide food manufacturers with a unique ingredient that will have a positive carbon and water footprint.
Martin Salinas, Chief of Technology & Co-Founder at Moolec, enthusiastically announced: “We believe this milestone sets the stage for a revolution in the food-industrial biotech landscape, paving the way for expedited adoption of Molecular Farming technology by other industry players. Also, this compelling advancement signifies a stride in enhancing our operational efficiency, transforming our methods of raw material sourcing, and optimizing our downstream crushing and processing operations.”
In June 2023, the company announced that Piggy Sooy™ seeds had achieved high levels of expression of pork protein (up to 26.6% of the total soluble protein) and had patented their technology. The company clarifies that Piggy Sooy™ development is set to keep moving forward completing the necessary consultation with the United States Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”). Moolec declares to be engaged in the consultation process with the FDA, representing the next pivotal regulatory milestone preceding the commercial availability of Piggy Sooy™ ingredient.
About Moolec Science SA
Moolec is a science-based ingredient company leader in the use of Molecular Farming technology for food and dietary supplementation markets. The Company’s mission is to create unique food ingredients by engineering plants with animal protein genes. Its purpose is to redefine the way the world produces animal proteins, for good and for all. Moolec’s technological approach aims to have the cost structure of plant-based solutions with the nutrition and functionality of animal-based ones. Moolec’s technology has been under development for more than a decade and is known for pioneering the production of a bovine protein in a crop for the food industry. The Company’s product portfolio and pipeline leverages the agronomic efficiency of broadly used target crops, like soybean, pea, and safflower to produce oils and proteins. Moolec also has an industrial and commercial R&D capability to complement the company’s Molecular Farming technology. Moolec secures a growing international patent portfolio (25+, both granted and pending) for its Molecular Farming technology. The Company is run by a diverse team of Ph.Ds and Food Insiders, and operates in the United States, Europe, and South America. For more information, visit moolecscience.com and ir.moolecscience.com.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains “forward-looking statements.” Forward-looking statements may be identified by the use of words such as “forecast,” “intend,” “seek,” “target,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “expect,” “estimate,” “plan,” “outlook,” and “project” and other similar expressions that predict or indicate future events or trends or that are not statements of historical matters. Such forward-looking statements with respect to performance, prospects, revenues, and other aspects of the business of Moolec are predictions, projections and other statements about future events that are based on current expectations and assumptions and, as a result, are subject to risks and uncertainties. Although we believe that we have a reasonable basis for each forward-looking statement contained in this press release, we caution you that these statements are based on a combination of facts and factors, about which we cannot be certain. We cannot assure you that the forward-looking statements in this press release will prove accurate. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of significant risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from expected results, including, among others, changes in applicable laws or regulations, the possibility that Moolec may be adversely affected by economic, business and/or other competitive factors, costs related to the scaling up of Moolec’s business and other risks and uncertainties, including those included under the header “Risk Factors” in Moolec’s Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), as well as Moolec’s other filings with the SEC. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should any of our assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary in material respects from those projected in these forward-looking statements. We undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required under applicable securities laws. Accordingly, you should not put undue reliance on these statements.
Contacts:
Press & Media inquiries: comms@moolecscience.com
Investor Relations inquiries: MoolecIR@icrinc.com | ir@moolecscience.com
Contact Information
Catalina Jones
Chief of Staff & Sustainability
comms@moolecscience.com
Investor Relations
ir@moolecscience.com
Related Files
Moolec Becomes First Molecular Farming Company to Achieve USDA Approval for Plant-Grown Animal Proteins – 2024.04.22
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SOURCE: Moolec Science
View the original press release on newswire.com.
Topic: Press release summary
Canada – Vertical Farming Questionnaire
Introduction
Welcome to the Health Canada Pest Management Regulatory Agency’s Vertical Farming Stakeholder Questionnaire. The Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA) is the Canadian government agency responsible for the regulation of pest control products, or pesticides, in Canada. To participate in the questionnaire, you should be either an owner or operator of a commercial vertical farm in Canada. One response only per vertical farm is requested.
What kind of information is being sought?
The purpose of this questionnaire is to obtain a snapshot of the vertical farming industry that will help inform the PMRA’s strategy to support the safe and effective use of pest control products in commercial vertical farming facilities.
You will be asked for information about aspects of your growing facility, production system, crops and pest pressures.
The PMRA will use the information gathered with this questionnaire to develop an appropriate approach to assess potential exposure and risks associated with the use of pest control products.
There are currently no pest control products registered for use in vertical farming operations in Canada. For more information, see Information Note: Vertical farming and pest control products (Appendix A).
What does Health Canada/PMRA consider to be a vertical farm?
To determine if your facility would be considered a vertical farm, please consult the following features of a vertical farm:
produces crops grown in appropriate media, for instance hydroponically, aeroponically or in soil; produces crops grown indoors on vertically stacked or inclined layers and/or integrated in other vertical structures, and relies solely or largely on artificial lighting. Can a greenhouse be a vertical farm?
Vertical farming differs from greenhouse production. In a greenhouse, plants are generally grown in a single layer on horizontal benches, containers or troughs placed on the ground and rely largely on natural sunlight. Vines, like tomato or cucumber plants, may grow vertically but are not considered vertically farmed if all plants are placed on one layer.
If you wish to participate in the questionnaire but are uncertain if your facility would be characterized as a vertical farm, please feel free to contact the questionnaire team at sarah.rosloski@hc-sc.gc.ca for clarification.
What is a pesticide in the context of this questionnaire?
A pesticide or pest control product is any product used to directly or indirectly control, destroy, attract or repel a pest or prevent the pest’s injurious, noxious or troublesome effects. Pest control products contain active ingredients that can be substances, living organisms (for example, a beneficial species of bacteria or fungi) or other materials (ozone, chemical fungicide/insecticides) that exert these effects. Pest control products may be applied to plants or soil, or be used for surface, air or water sanitization in the presence or absence of crops. In Canada, pest control products are identified by a Pest Control Products Act (PCPA) registration number, which will appear on the product label in this format: ‘Registration number: ##### Pest Control Products Act’
Participation in the questionnaire
Thank you for taking time from your schedule to participate.
Pesticide free? If your goal is to produce vertically farmed crops without the use of pesticides, we also would like to hear from you. The goal of the questionnaire is to understand the vertical farming industry in Canada, which includes vertical farms that are “pesticide-free”.
By providing your responses to the questionnaire, you acknowledge that your participation in the questionnaire is voluntary, and you are at least 18 years of age. You may choose to terminate your participation in the questionnaire at any time and for any reason by contacting the questionnaire team at sarah.rosloski@hc-sc.gc.ca.
Any personal information (names and contact information) provided as part of the data collection process will not be used to inform decisions or be made publicly available. Please see the Privacy Notice.
START OF THE QUESTIONNAIRE PLEASE FEEL FREE TO SKIP QUESTIONS IF YOU DO NOT KNOW OR DO NOT WISH TO PROVIDE AN ANSWER.
The questionnaire should take about 25 minutes to complete.
The following questions relate to pest pressures in the vertical farm. Pest pressures affect the type of pesticides that may be useful in a vertical farm, the frequency of their use and their efficacy. Your answers to these questions will help the PMRA understand existing needs and focus resources and efforts.
1. Please rate your level of interest in the following pesticide types for use in the vertical farm. Level of Interest : 0=not interested, 5=highly interested. Select ‘0’ for all choices if no pesticides will be used in your vertical farm. Select ‘ND’ if you are undecided or you do not wish to respond.
*Microbial biopesticides contain living microorganisms or viruses that are used for pest management. They do not include predatory or parasitic insects/mites used for biological control.
*Non-conventional pesticides include food items, extracts, preservatives or additives (e.g. garlic powder); plant extracts and oils (e.g. vegetable or mineral oils); commodity chemicals that have a range of non-pesticidal uses (e.g. acetic acid, table salt, citric acid); fertilizer or other plant growth supplements commonly used in the agricultural sector (e.g.mineral salts, such as sodium, and potassium salts of phosphorus acid); or inert materials (e.g. diatomaceous earth) that have pesticidal uses.
*Conventional pesticides include chemicals that are synthesized by industry for pest management purposes.
*Surface sanitizers for equipment’ are pesticides that are meant to be applied to hard structures in the plant production area to prevent or control pests. While they may be applied either in the presence or absence of plants, they are not intended for application to plants.
*Air or water sanitizers’ are pesticides that are released into the air or water in the plant production area to prevent or control pests that live or move there. While they may be applied either in the presence or absence of plants, they are not intended for application to plants. Includes UV devices but does not include physical sanitization devices like a HEPA filter.
*Post harvest clean-up refers to application of pesticides (spray or fog) to plant material after the crop has been fully harvested but before the unusable plant material has been removed.
Comments on questions 1 a-f (optional):
2. In your past experience, what level of severity has typically resulted from different types of infestations in your facility? Typical levels of severity in crop loss percentages. Select 0% if infestations have not occurred or have not resulted in any measurable crop loss.
Comments on question 2a-b (optional):
Questions related to work in the facility. When working with pesticides it is important that all aspects of worker exposure are considered in the human health risk assessment. The following questions will help determine exposure scenarios and the mitigation measures that could be considered feasible to protect workers.
3. To determine the potential exposure that workers may have to pesticide residues, it is important to know what sort of hand labour tasks are required for your crops. Select the following hand labour tasks that are required in your vertical farm. 3. To determine the potential exposure that workers may have to pesticide residues, it is important to know what sort of hand labour tasks are required for your crops. Select the following hand labour tasks that are required in your vertical farm.
No hand labour tasks are required
3. To determine the potential exposure that workers may have to pesticide residues, it is important to know what sort of hand labour tasks are required for your crops. Select the following hand labour tasks that are required in your vertical farm.
Pinching
3. To determine the potential exposure that workers may have to pesticide residues, it is important to know what sort of hand labour tasks are required for your crops. Select the following hand labour tasks that are required in your vertical farm.
Pruning
3. To determine the potential exposure that workers may have to pesticide residues, it is important to know what sort of hand labour tasks are required for your crops. Select the following hand labour tasks that are required in your vertical farm.
Tying
3. To determine the potential exposure that workers may have to pesticide residues, it is important to know what sort of hand labour tasks are required for your crops. Select the following hand labour tasks that are required in your vertical farm.
Transplanting
3. To determine the potential exposure that workers may have to pesticide residues, it is important to know what sort of hand labour tasks are required for your crops. Select the following hand labour tasks that are required in your vertical farm.
Scouting
3. To determine the potential exposure that workers may have to pesticide residues, it is important to know what sort of hand labour tasks are required for your crops. Select the following hand labour tasks that are required in your vertical farm.
Weeding
3. To determine the potential exposure that workers may have to pesticide residues, it is important to know what sort of hand labour tasks are required for your crops. Select the following hand labour tasks that are required in your vertical farm.
Hand harvesting
3. To determine the potential exposure that workers may have to pesticide residues, it is important to know what sort of hand labour tasks are required for your crops. Select the following hand labour tasks that are required in your vertical farm.
Other
Comments on questions 3 (optional):
Comments on question 4 (optional):
5. Personal protective equipment (PPE) is any clothing or equipment that is worn to minimize pesticide exposure and protect your health. PPE is always required when handling commercial or restricted class products; however, the level of PPE will vary depending on the toxicity, formulation, activity and extent of exposure.
Given the variability in vertical farm structures and tasks that are required in your facility, this question addresses whether certain types of PPE are feasible for workers to wear while mixing, loading and applying pesticides.
For your facility, select all personal protective equipment (PPE) that are considered feasible.: 5. Personal protective equipment (PPE) is any clothing or equipment that is worn to minimize pesticide exposure and protect your health. PPE is always required when handling commercial or restricted class products; however, the level of PPE will vary depending on the toxicity, formulation, activity and extent of exposure.
Given the variability in vertical farm structures and tasks that are required in your facility, this question addresses whether certain types of PPE are feasible for workers to wear while mixing, loading and applying pesticides.
For your facility, select all personal protective equipment (PPE) that are considered feasible.:
Chemical resistant coveralls over long-sleeved shirt, long pants, chemical resistant footwear, chemical resistant gloves
5. Personal protective equipment (PPE) is any clothing or equipment that is worn to minimize pesticide exposure and protect your health. PPE is always required when handling commercial or restricted class products; however, the level of PPE will vary depending on the toxicity, formulation, activity and extent of exposure.
Given the variability in vertical farm structures and tasks that are required in your facility, this question addresses whether certain types of PPE are feasible for workers to wear while mixing, loading and applying pesticides.
For your facility, select all personal protective equipment (PPE) that are considered feasible.:
Coveralls (cotton) over long-sleeved shirt, long pants, chemical resistant footwear, chemical resistant gloves
5. Personal protective equipment (PPE) is any clothing or equipment that is worn to minimize pesticide exposure and protect your health. PPE is always required when handling commercial or restricted class products; however, the level of PPE will vary depending on the toxicity, formulation, activity and extent of exposure.
Given the variability in vertical farm structures and tasks that are required in your facility, this question addresses whether certain types of PPE are feasible for workers to wear while mixing, loading and applying pesticides.
For your facility, select all personal protective equipment (PPE) that are considered feasible.:
Long sleeved shirt, long pants, and chemical resistant gloves
5. Personal protective equipment (PPE) is any clothing or equipment that is worn to minimize pesticide exposure and protect your health. PPE is always required when handling commercial or restricted class products; however, the level of PPE will vary depending on the toxicity, formulation, activity and extent of exposure.
Given the variability in vertical farm structures and tasks that are required in your facility, this question addresses whether certain types of PPE are feasible for workers to wear while mixing, loading and applying pesticides.
For your facility, select all personal protective equipment (PPE) that are considered feasible.:
Chemical resistant headgear (Sou’ Wester hat, chemical-resistant rain hat or large brimmed waterproof hat and hood with sufficient neck protection)
5. Personal protective equipment (PPE) is any clothing or equipment that is worn to minimize pesticide exposure and protect your health. PPE is always required when handling commercial or restricted class products; however, the level of PPE will vary depending on the toxicity, formulation, activity and extent of exposure.
Given the variability in vertical farm structures and tasks that are required in your facility, this question addresses whether certain types of PPE are feasible for workers to wear while mixing, loading and applying pesticides.
For your facility, select all personal protective equipment (PPE) that are considered feasible.:
Respirator
5. Personal protective equipment (PPE) is any clothing or equipment that is worn to minimize pesticide exposure and protect your health. PPE is always required when handling commercial or restricted class products; however, the level of PPE will vary depending on the toxicity, formulation, activity and extent of exposure.
Given the variability in vertical farm structures and tasks that are required in your facility, this question addresses whether certain types of PPE are feasible for workers to wear while mixing, loading and applying pesticides.
For your facility, select all personal protective equipment (PPE) that are considered feasible.:
SCBA: Self-contained breathing apparatus with a full facepiece.
5. Personal protective equipment (PPE) is any clothing or equipment that is worn to minimize pesticide exposure and protect your health. PPE is always required when handling commercial or restricted class products; however, the level of PPE will vary depending on the toxicity, formulation, activity and extent of exposure.
Given the variability in vertical farm structures and tasks that are required in your facility, this question addresses whether certain types of PPE are feasible for workers to wear while mixing, loading and applying pesticides.
For your facility, select all personal protective equipment (PPE) that are considered feasible.:
Protective eyewear (goggles or face shield)
5. Personal protective equipment (PPE) is any clothing or equipment that is worn to minimize pesticide exposure and protect your health. PPE is always required when handling commercial or restricted class products; however, the level of PPE will vary depending on the toxicity, formulation, activity and extent of exposure.
Given the variability in vertical farm structures and tasks that are required in your facility, this question addresses whether certain types of PPE are feasible for workers to wear while mixing, loading and applying pesticides.
For your facility, select all personal protective equipment (PPE) that are considered feasible.:
None of the abovementioned PPE are feasible (with text input for explanation)
Comments on question 5 (optional):
6. Were pesticides to be registered for use in vertical farming, each product would have a restricted entry interval (REI), which is the period of time that agricultural workers, or anyone else, must not enter to do hand labour in treated areas after a pesticide has been applied. This is to allow residues and vapours to dissipate to safe levels for work to be performed.
What is the longest REI that would be feasible for your facility? 6. Were pesticides to be registered for use in vertical farming, each product would have a restricted entry interval (REI), which is the period of time that agricultural workers, or anyone else, must not enter to do hand labour in treated areas after a pesticide has been applied. This is to allow residues and vapours to dissipate to safe levels for work to be performed.
What is the longest REI that would be feasible for your facility?
12 hours
6. Were pesticides to be registered for use in vertical farming, each product would have a restricted entry interval (REI), which is the period of time that agricultural workers, or anyone else, must not enter to do hand labour in treated areas after a pesticide has been applied. This is to allow residues and vapours to dissipate to safe levels for work to be performed.
What is the longest REI that would be feasible for your facility?
1 day
6. Were pesticides to be registered for use in vertical farming, each product would have a restricted entry interval (REI), which is the period of time that agricultural workers, or anyone else, must not enter to do hand labour in treated areas after a pesticide has been applied. This is to allow residues and vapours to dissipate to safe levels for work to be performed.
What is the longest REI that would be feasible for your facility?
2 days
6. Were pesticides to be registered for use in vertical farming, each product would have a restricted entry interval (REI), which is the period of time that agricultural workers, or anyone else, must not enter to do hand labour in treated areas after a pesticide has been applied. This is to allow residues and vapours to dissipate to safe levels for work to be performed.
What is the longest REI that would be feasible for your facility?
More than 2 days
Comments on question 6 (optional):
7. If required, could your facility adhere to at least one of the six following ventilation requirements:
Do not enter the treated area until after one of the following conditions is met:
Ten air exchanges are completed. Two hours of ventilation using fans or other mechanical ventilating systems. Four hours of ventilation using vents, windows, or other passive ventilation. Eleven hours with no ventilation followed by one hour of mechanical ventilation. Eleven hours with no ventilation followed by two hours of passive ventilation. Twenty-four hours with no ventilation. Comments on question 7 (optional):
8. Were pesticide products to be registered for use in vertical farming, what type of equipment would be used to apply pesticides to crops in your vertical farm? (select all that apply) 8. Were pesticide products to be registered for use in vertical farming, what type of equipment would be used to apply pesticides to crops in your vertical farm? (select all that apply)
Fully automated stationary fogger (worker sets equipment in place and does not re-enter during the application time)
8. Were pesticide products to be registered for use in vertical farming, what type of equipment would be used to apply pesticides to crops in your vertical farm? (select all that apply)
Handheld fogger (equipment is carried, pushed, or pulled by a worker during the application)
8. Were pesticide products to be registered for use in vertical farming, what type of equipment would be used to apply pesticides to crops in your vertical farm? (select all that apply)
Semi-automated horizontal or vertical air-assist boom sprayer (worker places the equipment onto a track system and it sprays a certain distance, at which time the worker moves it to another track as required)
8. Were pesticide products to be registered for use in vertical farming, what type of equipment would be used to apply pesticides to crops in your vertical farm? (select all that apply)
Handheld mistblower/airblast (air-assist) (equipment is carried, pushed, or pulled by a worker during the application)
8. Were pesticide products to be registered for use in vertical farming, what type of equipment would be used to apply pesticides to crops in your vertical farm? (select all that apply)
Fully automated air-assist sprayer (worker not required to physically move the sprayer at any time during the application)
8. Were pesticide products to be registered for use in vertical farming, what type of equipment would be used to apply pesticides to crops in your vertical farm? (select all that apply)
Spray or drip using the irrigation system (pesticide is mixed, then loaded into the irrigation system and a worker does not need to be present during application)
8. Were pesticide products to be registered for use in vertical farming, what type of equipment would be used to apply pesticides to crops in your vertical farm? (select all that apply)
I don’t know
8. Were pesticide products to be registered for use in vertical farming, what type of equipment would be used to apply pesticides to crops in your vertical farm? (select all that apply)
Pesticides will not be used in the facility.
8. Were pesticide products to be registered for use in vertical farming, what type of equipment would be used to apply pesticides to crops in your vertical farm? (select all that apply)
Other (with text entry)
Comments on question 8 (optional):
The following questions relate to the application of pesticides in vertical farming facilities and potential routes for release of pesticide residues to the environment.
*A closed loop chemigation system consists of drench or irrigation application where any excess chemigation liquid is captured via trough, drainage tile, or other similar conveyance system, rather than allowed to percolate into the ground.
15. If your facility discharges drainage water/wastewater, typically how frequently is it released?
Comments on questions 9 to 15 (optional):
The following questions are general in nature. Responses to these questions will contribute to PMRAs knowledge of the types of vertical farms in Canada and typical growing practices.
Comments on question 16 (optional):
Comments on question 17 (optional):
Comments on question 18 (optional):
19. If plants are horizontally stacked, how many layers are there per stack?
Provide a range if the number of layers varies throughout the facility (for example, 5 to 10 layers per stack)
Comments on question 19 (optional):
20. What is the estimated total production surface area of your vertical farming facility (please specify square metres or square feet).
21. What is the floor surface area of your facility (please specify square metres or square feet).
Comments on question 22 (optional):
The following questions are related to the types of crops grown in a vertical farm and how they are being grown. Responses to these questions will contribute to PMRAs knowledge of crop production practices relevant to pesticide use.
24. What crops does your vertical farming facility produce, or intend to produce? (Select all that apply) 24. What crops does your vertical farming facility produce, or intend to produce? (Select all that apply)
Microgreens
24. What crops does your vertical farming facility produce, or intend to produce? (Select all that apply)
Lettuce
24. What crops does your vertical farming facility produce, or intend to produce? (Select all that apply)
Arugula
24. What crops does your vertical farming facility produce, or intend to produce? (Select all that apply)
Spinach
24. What crops does your vertical farming facility produce, or intend to produce? (Select all that apply)
Kale
24. What crops does your vertical farming facility produce, or intend to produce? (Select all that apply)
Chard
24. What crops does your vertical farming facility produce, or intend to produce? (Select all that apply)
Herbs
24. What crops does your vertical farming facility produce, or intend to produce? (Select all that apply)
Edible flowers
24. What crops does your vertical farming facility produce, or intend to produce? (Select all that apply)
Strawberries
24. What crops does your vertical farming facility produce, or intend to produce? (Select all that apply)
Cannabis grown to the flowering stage
24. What crops does your vertical farming facility produce, or intend to produce? (Select all that apply)
Cannabis transplants
24. What crops does your vertical farming facility produce, or intend to produce? (Select all that apply)
Transplants of any crop for use in a vertical farm
24. What crops does your vertical farming facility produce, or intend to produce? (Select all that apply)
Transplants of any crop for use in a field
24. What crops does your vertical farming facility produce, or intend to produce? (Select all that apply)
Transplants of any crop for use in a greenhouse
24. What crops does your vertical farming facility produce, or intend to produce? (Select all that apply)
Animal feed
24. What crops does your vertical farming facility produce, or intend to produce? (Select all that apply)
Other (with text entry)
25. What is the typical growing cycle for each of the crops you are growing?
How many crop cycles are completed in a calendar year for each specific crop?
What is the approximate time from harvest to sale for each crop?
Example:
Spinach; cycle length 1 month; 4 crop cycles per year; interval from harvest to sale 2 days
Comments on question 25 (optional):
26. If you grow more than one crop at a time, how many different crops are grown simultaneously? Provide a range if the number of crops grown simultaneously varies (for example, 2 to 5 crops are grown simultaneously).
The following questions are related to the production system. Your answers will help the PMRA understand aspects of crop production in vertical farms that could influence risks associated with pesticide use.
*In the context of this questionnaire, automation refers to software, equipment and other technology that performs work within the production system including physical labour or other actions either autonomously or in concert with facility employees.
Comments on question 29 (optional):
30. During plant growth, what are the maximum, minimum and average temperatures (degrees Celsius) in your vertical farm?
Maximum temperature (degrees Celsius)
Minimum temperature (degrees Celsius)
Average temperature (degrees Celsius)
32. Is there any additional information that was not covered in the questionnaire that you think might be important for the PMRA to consider when assessing the risks and value of pesticide products for use in vertical farms?
33. Do you have any (other) comments you would like to share with us?
END OF THE QUESTIONNAIRE
Thank you for your time and effort in completing the questionnaire.
Full name
Phone number
For example: 111-222-3333
Email address
For example: name@example.com
Privacy Notice
The personal information you provide to Health Canada be collected by the Pest Management Regulatory Agency under the Pest Control Products Act, section 42.1, and handled in accordance with the Privacy Act. Your decision to participate or not is yours alone and there will be no consequences if you decide not to participate.
Why are we collecting your personal information?
Names and contact information submitted with the responses will be used to organize information. Responses will be collected to inform the development of policies and guidelines for pesticide use on vertical farms and not for any other purpose without the consent of the respondent.
Will we use or share your personal information for any other reason?
Your email address will be retained to contact you in the of event of an access to information request. Responses to the questionnaire will be protected under the Access to Information Act. Information in this questionnaire may be aggregated into a report that may be made publicly available.
What are your rights?
You have a right to complain to the Privacy Commissioner of Canada if you feel your personal information has been handled improperly. For more information about these rights, or about how we handle your personal information, please contact the (PMRA contact info for vertical farming questionnaire).
For more information: The collection of your personal information is described in Info Source. Refer to the Outreach Activities personal information bank (PSU 938)
In natural farming the cost is less and more yield – Shri Tomar
Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shri Narendra Singh Tomar has said that natural farming is the need of the hour, in which the cost is less and the produce fetches more price. Natural farming will now be part of the agricultural education. The government is making efforts in this direction to include soon the natural farming methods in agricultural education curriculum. Shri Tomar said this as the chief guest at the National Workshop on Natural Farming in Gwalior, organized by the Agricultural Technology Application Research Institute (ATARI), Jabalpur and Rajmata Vijayaraje Scindia Agricultural University, Gwalior.
Shri Tomar said that there was a time when there was a shortage of food grains compared to India’s population. Then a production-oriented policy was made by moving towards chemical fertilizers, due to which production increased and today we grow food grains in surplus, but now once again there is a need to groom ourselves, so that the future is assured and there is harmony with nature. This is not only our concern but the whole world is seized of the issue. Shri Tomar said that today the need is to follow the principles of healthy mind, healthy food, healthy agriculture and healthy human being. For this, one should move towards natural farming. Natural farming is the farming of perfection. Livestock has an important contribution in this. The dung and cow urine of a native cow is sufficient for a common farmer to work in natural farming. If the country adopts natural farming, then cows will not be seen on the roads, but they will be used properly. Now the country is moving in this direction. 100% natural farming is being done in Dang district of Gujarat. In Himachal too, farmers are fast moving in this direction. M.P. has planned it in 5,000 villages.
Shri Tomar said that Agriculture has an important place in our country. It is not only for livelihood, but also everyone’s need. The farmer does not work only to get livelihood from agriculture, but he does farming to feed over 130 crore people of the country. He said that today India has become a country which provides food grains to the world. Today many friendly countries of the world look towards India that if the food production in India is good, then India will help us in bad times. The farmers have the responsibility of the country and the world also. Shri Tomar said that the fertility of the soil is weakening due to chemical farming. Friendly bacteria are being killed. Every year we are increasing the need of the soil for fertilizers. It is our responsibility to save the country from the crisis that it is going to face after 25 years, that is why Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi re-launched the natural farming method and it is being given the form of a mass movement.
राजमाता विजयाराजे सिंधिया कृषि विश्वविद्यालय, ग्वालियर में “प्राकृतिक खेती” विषय पर आयोजित राष्ट्रीय कार्यशाला…@MRvskvv https://t.co/gTkYY0VElY
— Narendra Singh Tomar (@nstomar) December 3, 2022
The Union Minister said that along with this the Government of India is making efforts to increase the income of the farmers. The MSP has been increased one-and-a-half times, while crores of farmers are being given Rs. 6,000 every year through the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi. So far, more than Rs 2.16 lakh crore has been deposited directly into the bank accounts of the farmers. Under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana, Rs 1.24 lakh crore was given to the farmers in lieu of crop loss. Farmers have been disbursed Rs. 18 lakh crore through the Kisan Credit Cards. Farmers meet. The Central Government is making every possible effort to empower the farmers.
In the programme, Madhya Pradesh Minister of State for Horticulture and Food Processing, and Narmada Valley Development, Shri Bharat Singh Kushwaha; Dr. Ved Prakash Chahal, Deputy Director General (Agriculture Extension), Indian Council of Agricultural Research; Dr. Arvind Shukla, Vice Chancellor of Rajmata Vijayaraje Agricultural University, Gwalior; Director of ATARI Jabalpur, Dr. Shyamranjan Singh, along with public representatives and scientists-officers were present.
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Canada – Vertical Farming and Pest Control Products
The purpose of this information note is to advise growers and other stakeholders that there are no pest control products (also known as pesticides) currently registered or authorized for use in Canada for what is commonly referred to as “vertical farming”.
A vertical farm produces crops grown:
in appropriate media, for instance hydroponically, aeroponically or in soil; and
indoors on vertically stacked or inclined layers and/or integrated in other vertical structures, and
relies solely or largely on artificial lighting.
This differs from greenhouse growing, for which there are registered pest control products. In a greenhouse, plants are generally grown in a single layer on horizontal benches, containers or troughs placed on the ground, relying largely on natural sunlight.
As a relatively new method of crop production there is currently little available data on vertical farming production systems. To date, Health Canada’s Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA) has not received any applications with data to support the registration and use of pest control products in vertical farming.
Under the Pest Control Products Regulations, directions for the use of each pest control product, including any limitations on its use and procedures to reduce risks associated with that use, must be included on the product label.
Sufficient data to assess the hazards and risks associated with vertical farming, such as occupational and dietary exposure risks and the fate of the pest control product in the environment after application, will need to be assessed by PMRA.
Until such data is submitted and assessed, and vertical farming production use is included on a pesticide label, the use of pest control products in vertical farming is not permitted under the Pest Control Products Act.
In the interim, the PMRA is working with stakeholders to understand the conditions of vertical farming and other factors necessary to assess risks to ensure that pesticide use in vertical farming production systems will be safe for human health and the environment.
Parties interested in using pest control products in vertical farm production systems are encouraged to work with pesticide manufacturers to express interest regarding the addition of such a use to the label of a currently registered product, or in registering a specific pesticide use.
Stakeholders may also engage with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s Pest Management Centre and/or their Provincial Minor Use Coordinator to discuss the potential of adding such a use under the User Requested Minor Use Label Expansion (URMULE) program.
In addition, the PMRA offers a free pre-submission consultation service that provides regulatory guidance to registrants prior to the submission of an application. For information on submitting an application to add the use of pest control products for vertical farming purposes, registrants may request a pre-submission consultation by contacting the PMRA at pmra.presubs-prealables.arla@hc-sc.gc.ca.
If you have any questions about pest control products and pest management, visit the Pesticides section of Canada.ca or contact the PMRA’s Pest Management Information Service.
Contract Farming
There are prevalent contract farming agreements in various states of the country and farmers are taking benefit. There is no central database of Contract Farming Agreements. States have statutory resolution mechanism under their own statutes. In case of disputes, farmers can approach the Authorities as prescribed in the respective state’s legal framework. There are many successful examples of good contract farming agreements which benefit the farmers.
This information was given in a written reply by the Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Shri Narendra Singh Tomar in Rajya Sabha today.
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