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By Alice McFarlane

Gene-edited livestock feed

CFIA says gene-edited livestock feed is safe

May 8, 2024 | 11:37 AM

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) released its long-awaited final guidance on novel feed.

These updates, initiated in 2018, confirmed gene-edited livestock feed is safe.

Cereals Canada Director of Crop Protection and Production Krista Zuzak said CFIA’s latest livestock feed regulation helps to clarify Canada’s requirements for gene-edited crops.

“The CFIA guidance on livestock feed will support research and development of new varieties that use gene editing to enhance traits such as drought, pest and disease resistance, and input use efficiency among others,” Zuzak said.

Plant breeding innovation, including technology used to produce livestock feed ingredients, can help the industry address crop production challenges, aid in sustainability efforts, and address food security concerns.

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Zuzak said Canada’s science and evidence-based regulatory system helps the cereals sector maintain a reputation for producing safe, sustainable, and high-quality wheat, barley, and oats.

Grain Growers of Canada Vice Chair William van Tassel said completing the regulations is a milestone that began five years ago and supports innovation while ensuring safety and transparency.

“With these updated guidelines, our farmers can access advanced tools to produce crops with better resiliency and higher yields, while meeting the demands of the market today and the future.” he said.

It aligns Canada’s regulations with trading partners, ensuring Canadian farmers remain competitive globally and is based on science-driven assessments that guarantee the safety and efficacy of gene-edited crops, van Tassel said.

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alice.mcfarlane@pattisonmedia.com

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