FieldWatch, Inc., a non-profit company that promotes communication and stewardship among crop producers, beekeepers and pesticide applicators, announces that Manitoba has joined as the 2nd member province.
Manitoba joins FieldWatch along with 27 states, Saskatchewan, and the District of Columbia. The membership will enable Manitoba’s beekeepers (hobbyists and commercial) and crop producers (organic and conventional) to use a secure, easy-to-use online registry to identify and map the locations of apiaries and crop fields that pesticide applicators should avoid. The free and voluntary registries, DriftWatch™ and BeeCheck™, will be available to all Manitoba beekeepers and crop producers. FieldCheck® is the online and mobile portal that pesticide applicators can use to improve decision-making and avoid damage from spray drift to crops and beehives.
“The goal is to get beekeepers and crop producers registered through FieldWatch so applicators can access accurate information before spraying,” said Bob Walters, President and CEO of FieldWatch. “This model has been proven to build good stewardship and communication in agriculture.”
The decision to join was largely driven by the needs of producers and beekeepers who wanted to register the locations of their crops and apiaries. “We’re excited to partner with FieldWatch to make this platform available to both Manitoba farmers and beekeepers,” said Marika Dewar-Norosky, Executive Director of Manitoba Organics. “This partnership offers Manitoba’s agricultural industry another tool to support communication, transparency, and stewardship across the province’s leading sector — helping protect organic farms and promote coexistence among diverse farming systems.”
FieldWatch would like to acknowledge the initial funding support from Western Canadian Aerial, Ltd., CropLife Canada, Manitoba Beekeepers Association, and Manitoba Organic Development Fund — Manitoba’s farmer-run grain check-off.
“CropLife Canada is proud to support the launch of FieldWatch in Manitoba, reinforcing our commitment to innovation, stewardship and sustainable agriculture. Tools like FieldWatch enhance transparency and collaboration between growers and applicators, helping ensure the responsible use of plant science innovations while supporting the long-term success of Manitoba’s farms,” says Pierre Petelle, President and CEO of CropLife Canada.
“CropLife Canada is proud to support the launch of FieldWatch in Manitoba, reinforcing our commitment to innovation, stewardship and sustainable agriculture. Tools like FieldWatch enhance transparency and collaboration between growers and applicators, helping ensure the responsible use of plant science innovations while supporting the long-term success of Manitoba’s farms,” says Pierre Petelle, President and CEO of CropLife Canada.
