New federal guidelines… that further clarify how gene-edited crops will be regulated in Canada were applauded by the agricultural industry and farm groups, with a few notable exceptions.
Federal regulatory agencies decided last year that varieties produced by these methods don’t need to go through the longer assessment and approval process required for genetically modified organisms.
But none of this sits well with organizations and individuals opposed to any artificial manipulation of genomes.
Organic farmers lose their certification if they use products of genetic engineering. But they are currently allowed to buy conventionally produced seed if organic seed isn’t available. The fear is that they may inadvertently end up with gene-edited seed, which throws not only their individual status into jeopardy, but also Canada’s ability to export organic commodities.
The sector had asked for a regulation requiring seed companies to disclose if they had used gene-editing technology in their seed development process.
[The recent] announcement stopped short of that, instead creating a government and industry steering committee to continue dialogue around the issues.
