Through this initiative, the early signs of a North American market for pesticides are emerging: North American governments have made a concerted effort to reach over their common borders to make pest control tools more consistently available across Canada, Mexico, and the United States; companies are submitting pesticide applications to Canada and the United States simultaneously, with some joint submissions including Mexico; and many maximum residue limits (MRLs, or U.S. tolerances) have been harmonized, thereby removing trade barriers. The Technical Working Group has succeeded in laying the foundation for a North American framework for regulating pesticides. This work ensures a stringent regional standard for protecting human health and the environment, while making pest control tools available to growers across North America. In broadening the dialogue on pesticides, we have succeeded in making pesticide risk assessments more openly understood and scientifically sound.

"This report was produced cooperatively by the following agencies: Pest Management Regulatory Agency, Canada; Comisi on Intersecretarial para el Control del Proceso y Uso de Plaguicidas y Sustancias T oxicas, Mexico; Environmental Protection Agency, United States of America." "EPA 735-R-002" "September 2001."