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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1-29-4 Agricultural Pests-Strychnine Distribution POLICY Section Policy No. Page ASB 1-29-4 1 of 3 Policy Title Date: Motion No. Agricultural Pests- Strychnine Distribution May 26, 2026 151/26 Policy Statement Kneehill County recognizes the significant impact of Richardson’s Ground Squirrels on agricultural lands. In response to the federal emergency authorization permitting the use of 2% Liquid Strychnine between March 30, 2026, and November 15, 2027, and the Province of Alberta’s direction that rural municipalities administer the program, Kneehill County will operate a controlled distribution program in full compliance with all applicable federal and provincial legislation, regulations, and product-label requirements. This program is temporary and will operate only for the duration of the federal emergency registration unless extended or amended by the Government of Canada. The County reserves the right to suspend or terminate the program at any time should regulatory conditions change or if operational or safety concerns arise. Purpose: The purpose of this policy is to establish clear guidelines for the administration of Kneehill County’s Strychnine Distribution Program under the Agricultural Service Board and Agriculture Services Department. The policy ensures consistent, transparent, and legally compliant distribution of 2% Liquid Strychnine in accordance with the product label, the federal emergency registration, and all requirements established by the Government of Alberta and the Government of Canada. Policy Procedure/Guidelines: 1. Kneehill County Program 1.1. Kneehill County Agriculture Services, under the direction of Council and in coordination with the Agricultural Service Board, will establish and administer a program and budget for the distribution of 2% Liquid Strychnine to qualified agricultural producers for the control of Richardson’s Ground Squirrel infestations. 1.2. The program will operate in accordance with all applicable federal and provincial legislation, regulations, product-label requirements, and program guidelines. 1.3. Kneehill County Agriculture Services will maintain a valid Pesticide Vendor Registration under the Alberta Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act and will ensure that all staff involved in the program hold current, appropriate training and certification required to distribute the product. 2. Purchasing Eligibility Qualified Purchasers must: 2.1. Meet the Commercial Agriculturalist status and land-title requirements established by the Government of Alberta. 2.2. Provide valid proof of completion of the mandatory training required by the Government of Alberta and delivered through the Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities. 2.3. Be a landowner or renter within Kneehill County and request product solely for use on lands located within Kneehill County. POLICY Section Policy No. Page ASB 1-29-4 2 of 3 Policy Title Date: Motion No. Agricultural Pests- Strychnine Distribution May 26, 2026 151/26 2.4. Submit all required documentation, declarations, and application materials in full and by any deadlines established by the County, the Government of Alberta, or the Government of Canada. 2.5. Agree to submit all required monitoring, usage, and reporting documentation within the timelines established by the Government of Alberta and the Government of Canada. 2.6. Acknowledge and comply with all federal and provincial requirements related to Species at Risk, including any mitigation measures outlined in training or on the product label. 2.7. Remain in good standing with Kneehill County and not be subject to any outstanding compliance issues related to pesticide use or previous program participation. 3. Product Pricing Kneehill County will sell 2% Liquid Strychnine at a rate equal to the County’s product acquisition cost plus an administrative fee and applicable taxes. Rates will be established through the County’s Master Rates Bylaw or by Council resolution where authorized. Pricing may be adjusted if supplier costs or regulatory requirements change. 4. Product Lottery If demand exceeds available supply, Kneehill County will conduct a lottery among all qualified purchasers. 4.1. The lottery draw date will be set in advance based on expected product delivery timelines and will be publicly advertised. 4.2. If supply is limited and a lottery is required, each successful purchaser will be limited to a maximum of six bottles. 4.3 Lottery entrants must be qualified purchasers who: 4.3.1 meet all federal and provincial program requirements, 4.3.2 hold a valid training certificate, 4.3.3 have eligible land within Kneehill County, 4.3.4 provide acceptable evidence of severe infestation locations, and 4.3.5 have confirmed their eligibility with Agriculture Services staff prior to the lottery deadline. 4.4 Multiple individuals may not enter the lottery using the same land location. Joint landowners will be considered a single entry. 4.5 Unsuccessful applicants may be placed on a wait-list should additional product become available. 4.6 The lottery will be conducted using a transparent, random selection method, and all entrants will be notified of the results. 5. Liability Kneehill County’s role is limited to the distribution of 2% Liquid Strychnine in accordance with applicable federal and provincial regulations. The County assumes no responsibility for the storage, handling, transportation, application, environmental impacts, or outcomes associated with the use or misuse of the product. POLICY Section Policy No. Page ASB 1-29-4 3 of 3 Policy Title Date: Motion No. Agricultural Pests- Strychnine Distribution May 26, 2026 151/26 Purchasers are solely responsible for ensuring that all product use complies with the product label, legislation, and regulatory requirements. The County reserves the right to refuse distribution to any individual who fails to meet program requirements or who has previously failed to comply with reporting or regulatory obligations. References The following are program reference links utilized to develop and support this policy: Strychnine Product Label Government of Alberta Richardson's Ground Squirrel Control Webpage Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities Strychnine Stewardship Training Website Government of Alberta Pesticide Management Website Approved: May 26, 2026 Review Date: November 2027