5 Year of NAFTA
The Five-Year Strategy
2008–2013 outlined in the PDF focuses on enhancing regulatory
cooperation and trade in pesticides among the NAFTA countries—Canada,
Mexico, and the United States. Its primary mission is to serve as a
focal point for addressing pesticide issues in the context of
liberalized trade, with respect to environmental, ecological, and human
health objectives.
The strategy aims to create
an aligned North American registration system for pesticides and
products treated with pesticides, emphasizing work sharing as a core
business approach. It builds on achievements from the previous five
years, such as reducing duplication in data generation, improving access
to scientific information, and facilitating the introduction of new
pesticides.
The document sets out three
strategic objectives and associated work areas:
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Provide equal access to pest management
tools:
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Address the technology gap via joint
reviews and work sharing.
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Promote the development and use of NAFTA
labels to facilitate cross-border movement.
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Enhance re-evaluation and registration
review of older pesticides:
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Coordinate registration review and
re-evaluation work.
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Resolve trade irritants and implement
transition strategies.
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Integrate smart business practices to
promote harmonization, environmental protection, and safety:
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Harmonize remaining technical data
requirements.
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Focus on environmental protection, human
safety, and science issues.
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Improve communication, planning, and
maintain high international standards.
The strategy emphasizes
stakeholder engagement, risk reduction, and creating efficiencies to
streamline pesticide regulation and trade while maintaining high safety
standards. It reflects on lessons learned from the previous five years
and sets measurable goals to guide ongoing and future efforts.