The Ministry of Agriculture is dedicated to fostering sustainable farming practices and safeguarding the interests of all agricultural stakeholders, including producers of specialty and organic crops, and beekeepers. In alignment with this commitment, the ministry offers a complimentary online mapping tool for specialty crops within the province through FieldWatch.
FieldWatch is a collaborative, web-based mapping registry designed to promote communication between specialty crop producers, organic producers, beekeepers and pesticide applicators in support of ongoing stewardship activities. Launched in 2012 and adopted by Saskatchewan in 2014, FieldWatch facilitates the sharing of critical information to protect sensitive agricultural areas from unintended pesticide exposure.
There are two program components offered in Saskatchewan:
- DriftWatch: Tailored for producers of organic and specialty crops, DriftWatch allows the mapping of sensitive crop areas, aiding pesticide applicators in planning and executing their activities with the utmost care.
- BeeCheck: Dedicated to beekeepers, BeeCheck helps in mapping apiary locations, promoting bee health and sustainability through improved communication with pesticide applicators.
Participating in FieldWatch is simple. Specialty crop producers, organic producers and beekeepers map the locations of fields and apiaries in the mapping tool. Pesticide applicators check for mapped locations before spraying to improve decision-making and manage potential pesticide drift. The benefit of participating can include:
- Enhanced protection: Registering your crop or apiary site helps minimize the risk of pesticide drift, safeguarding your investment and the environment.
- Community collaboration: Engage with a network of like-minded individuals and organizations committed to agricultural stewardship.
- Easy access and notification: Registered users receive timely updates, ensuring that all parties are informed of new registrations and can plan their activities accordingly.
Benefits of Registration
- For producers/beekeepers: Secure your investment by identifying your specialty crop sites and apiaries, allowing applicators to avoid these areas, thus minimizing the risk of pesticide drift.
- For applicators: Access detailed maps and receive notifications of nearby sensitive areas to plan and conduct pesticide applications responsibly.
Registration Process
Joining FieldWatch is straightforward and free for both producers and applicators. With a simple registration process, stakeholders can quickly map their areas of concern, facilitating better communication and operational planning. Here’s how to join:
- Visit FieldWatch and choose the program component that fits your needs.
- Register your site, providing detailed information about your sensitive areas.
- Once registered, receive notifications about nearby registered areas, enhancing mutual awareness.
For assistance or more information, contact the Crops and Irrigation Branch at crops@gov.sk.ca or call 306-787-4660.