Protected Agriculture Stewardship Standards
The Protected Agriculture Stewardship Standards program was established to assist protected agriculture operators in the identification and mitigation of risks associated with pesticide application with the longer-term goal of continuous environmental, health and safety improvement. The Standards consist of a series of auditable protocols. Click here to view more about why and how the Standards were developed.
The Protected Agriculture Stewardship Standards are managed and audited by the Agrichemical Warehousing Standards Association (AWSA).
Who do the Standards apply to?
The Standards apply to all Protected Agriculture operators in Canada using PCP products labelled for greenhouse use. Protected Agriculture (PA) refers to crops that are grown under structures such as greenhouses, shade houses, hoop houses, high tunnels, warehouses, etc.
All Protected Agriculture operators must be registered by December 31, 2023 in order to be eligible to purchase and receive PCP products labelled for greenhouse use in 2024.
What steps do Protected Agriculture Operators need to take?
If you use PCP Products labelled for greenhouse use determine which Category your operation is.
Category 1PA (CAT1)
Protected Ag Operators using any closed loop irrigation/chemigation systems are referred to as Category 1 PA Operators. A closed loop system is one where any excess irrigation/chemigation liquid delivered to the crop is captured via trough, drainage tile, or other similar conveyance system.
Note: Warehouse production structures and freight container growing operations with no subterranean plumbing and continuous flooring are excluded from Category 1.
Category 2PA (CAT2)
Protected Ag Operators not using closed loop irrigation/chemigation systems are referred to as Category 2 PA Operators.