It can be difficult to grow chickpeas in Canada because it requires a long growing season and poses a high risk of disease. Ascochytosis is the most common attack. Devastating, it can destroy up to 90% of the crop if you don’t control it.

As protection, farmers use a fungicide, a type of pesticide that protects crops from infection or helps cure a disease in the early stages of infection.

Cherilyn Nagel owns a farm in Saskatchewan, where most of our chickpeas are grown. She says pest control products are essential for crop protection.

“It is in our interest to ensure that these products are used responsibly. At the end of the day, we want healthy, safe and plentiful food, and leave our soil in better shape than it was at the start, “she adds.