By Alice McFarlane

Farmers call for reasonable rules for plant breeding

Mar 26, 2021 | 1:32 PM

MELFORT — As the public consultation process on new guidelines for the regulation of novel crops opens, Canada’s grain associations are asking farmers for support.

The group called Advancing Agriculture wants regulators to know farmers need access to advancements in plant breeding like gene edited crops to sustainably grow food.

Over the last three years new plant breeding techniques have been made but the Canadian regulatory guidance has not kept pace.

Central Alberta farmer D’Arcy Hilgartner urged all crop producers to let Health Canada know that farmers need access to new plant breeding innovation.

“We cannot afford to let a vocal minority drown out the overwhelming support that I know is out there from farmers and the agriculture sector,” Hilgartner said in a news release.

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Saskatchewan grower Gerry Hertz said many of Canada’s global competitors have moved towards clear and predictable science-based approaches to the regulation of plant breeding, including gene edited crops.

“Canada needs to do the same so that farmers here are not left behind,” Hertz said.

Ontario farmers Brendan Byrne said this innovation has helped farmers face challenges around food security and climate change.

“Innovations like gene edited crops can help farmers adapt to changing climate conditions and pest pressures while continuing to grow safe, high quality food for Canadians and consumers around the world,” Byrne said.

Canadian Canola Growers Association president and CEO Rick White said the federal government needs to stand behind the science of plant breeding innovation.

“Scientists around the world have acknowledged that using gene editing in plant breeding is just as safe as conventional breeding and our regulatory system needs to recognize this to ensure the Canadian agriculture industry can remain competitive,” White said.

Grain Growers of Canada executive director Erin Gowriluk said the industry knows what it will take for farmers to be successful, and that includes continuous adoption of new crop innovation.

“Now is the time for growers and our colleagues in the agriculture industry to collectively speak up to encourage good government policy,” Gowriluk said.

The group has created a letter for farmers and anyone involved in agriculture to send to Health Canada in support of the government using these new guidelines.

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alice.mcfarlane@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @farmnewsNOW