CAN: Crop protection approved for use on cannabis and hemp

Marrone Bio Innovations, Inc.’s Regalia MAXX biofungicide received the first approval for indoor and outdoor use on cannabis and hemp in Canada.

“Obtaining the first approval for use on field hemp and cannabis is an exciting achievement for Marrone Bio and will benefit Canadian growers,” said Kevin Hammill, chief commercial officer of Marrone Bio Innovations. “Cannabis and hemp farmers will now have a new effective tool that will help manage difficult diseases, such as Botrytis and powdery mildew, that can significantly impact their yield and bottom line.”

Cannabis and hemp have been relatively small crops in Canada until lifestyle cannabis was approved in 2018. According to Health Canada, 77,800 acres of hemp were grown in 2018, valued at an estimated $50 million USD. And while 2019 acres are still being compiled, Canada Health has reported a 51 percent increase in licenses issued to grow hemp across Canada in 2019.

Regalia MAXX is currently available for use on several other crops in Canada and can be purchased through Plant Products Inc., Leamington, Ontario, and TerraLink Horticulture Inc., Abbotsford, British Columbia.