By Josh Hall

rallying the sector

Grain farmers calling for more modern plant technology

Jun 4, 2021 | 10:31 AM

The Grain Growers of Canada (GGC) say they are rallying the country’s grain industry to champion the role of modern plant technology in driving safe and sustainable growth for the sector.

This comes in light of two federal consultations on plant breeding that will have a significant impact on crop varieties available to Canadian farmers in decades to come.

Last month, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency launched a 120-day public consultation on guidance for determining whether a plant is subject to the Seeds Regulations part V, while Health Canada launched a consultation in March on new regulatory guidance for novel food focused on plant breeding.

The outcomes of these consultations will have a significant impact on the future of plant breeding in

“Advancements in plant breeding and access to new crop varieties have really been the backbone of our industry,” says GGC Executive Director Erin Gowriluk. “These new varieties are the reason that today’s farmers can grow more, with fewer resources, while also sustaining our land and soils in Canada.” Canada.

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GGC Chair Andre Harpe adds that modern plant technology such as gene edited crops will become even more critical in the decades to come.

“Gene edited crops can help farmers adapt to changing climate conditions and pest pressures while continuing to grow safe, high quality, affordable food for Canadians and consumers around the world,” he says. “Furthermore, it’s clear the agriculture industry will be a driving force in our country’s economic recovery post COVID.”

The GGC says it will continue to advocate for clear and predictable pathways for plant breeding innovations while recognizing global scientific consensus on the safety of gene editing.

More information is at canada.ca.