The Western Canadian Wheat Growers Association is very disappointed by the passage at second reading of Bill C-474, legislation that threatens to introduce non-science based factors into the approval of new seed technologies.
“If this legislation were to become law, it would put a tremendous chill on seed investment in Canada and undermine the future profitability and sustainability of Canadian farmers,” says Kevin Bender, President of the Wheat Growers.
Currently Canada’s regulatory system undertakes a thorough food, feed and environmental risk assessment of any proposed new seed varieties. Bill C-474 proposes to shift Canada’s regulatory approach from a sound scientific basis into the highly subjective political arena. If adopted, it would threaten the development and access to new seed technologies derived from biotechnology.
“Prairie farmers have benefitted greatly from the introduction of biotech traits,” says Gerrid Gust, Chair of the Wheat Growers. “Benefits on my farm have included reduced fuel consumption, less soil erosion, fewer weed problems and less herbicide use.”
The Wheat Growers expect to see further benefits from the next generation of biotech traits, including improved fertilizer utilization, greater yields, improved food safety (through the reduction of plant diseases that produce harmful mycotoxins) and traits that will improve food nutrition.
“If Canada moves away from a science-based approach on seed approvals, then innovation that could benefit Canadian farmers, consumers and the environment will be made elsewhere,” says Bender. “This legislation needs to be defeated, so that Canadian farmers can improve our profitability and Canadian consumers are among the first to benefit from safer and healthier food.”
