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By Alice McFarlane

New canola variety raises concern

Producer group says Canada’s mustard industry at risk from a new canola seed

Dec 19, 2025 | 10:25 AM

The Saskatchewan Mustard Development Commission (Sask Mustard) is alerting producers and industry partners that BASF’s plan to commercialize InVigor Gold.

The new variety is a genetically modified Brassica juncea canola line.

Sask Mustard executive director Rick Mitzel said InVigor Gold is the same species as brown and oriental condiment mustard. Sask Mustard warns that gene flow and cross-contamination are highly likely, jeopardizing Canada’s reputation as a global supplier of pure, traceable non-GM mustard, especially to key markets such as the European Union and Japan.

Mitzel said loss of market confidence, the commission fears, could have severe economic consequences for growers across the Prairies.

“Canadian mustard has earned trust around the world because it is clean, consistent, and reliably non-GM,” Mitzel said. “Introducing a GM Brassica juncea crop threatens decades of hard-won credibility.”

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Sask Mustard chair Norm Hall emphasized the broader implications for Canadian agriculture.

“This isn’t just a mustard issue; this is a matter of fairness. Once contamination occurs, there’s no going back. We need to protect the markets and reputation our farmers depend on. Producers deserve a voice before irreversible decisions are made,” Hall said.

Sask Mustard is encouraging producers to discuss the issue with neighbours and elected representatives. The issue will be a major focus at the Sask Mustard annual general meeting on Jan. 15 in Saskatoon.

Dedicated discussion on the topic is scheduled for 11:00 a.m. Growers will have the opportunity to ask questions and shape the Commission’s response.

Sask Mustard continues to engage with industry and government to advocate for the protection of Canada’s non-GM mustard sector.

Registration for the Sask Mustard annual meeting can be found at cropweek.com.

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alice.mcfarlane@pattisonmedia.com