Genetically engineered seeds harming farmers’ exports

OTTAWA – Canada’s flax industry is scrambling to repair damage to our export markets because of contamination by unapproved genetically engineered (GE) flax. This problem will reoccur as more genetically engineered crops are approved without rules that consider existing regulations in export markets and the potential negative impacts on trade, says New Democrat Agriculture Critic Alex Atamanenko (BC Southern-Interior).

Atamanenko’ Bill C-474 seeks to fill the regulatory gap which led to the rejection of Canadian flax shipments to Europe after widespread contamination by genetically engineered (GE) “Triffid” flax unapproved in our export markets. It calls for an analysis of potential harm to export markets to be conducted before the sale of any new genetically engineered seeds is permitted. Presently, Canadian approvals of new GE seeds are based on environmental and health assessments, but ignore the question of any potential harm to export markets.

Maureen Bostock from the National Farmers Union agrees, saying that C-474 is essential to protecting farmers from the release of GE seeds not regulated in export markets. “The recent damage to our flax export markets from GE contamination clearly illustrates the degree of risk,” said Bostock. “The government has an obligation to protect farmers from the interruption of markets and, by so doing, protect the economic interests of all Canadians.”

“This Bill would fill a gaping hole in Canada’s regulations. The government risks economic harm to farmers by permitting GE seeds that are not approved in our export markets,” said Lucy Sharratt, Coordinator for the Canadian Biotechnology Action Network (CBAN), “Bill C-474 is immediately needed to address the foreseeable economic threat posed by GE alfalfa, for example.”

Monsanto has already been given the necessary approvals for GE alfalfa, with only variety registration left to go before it can be legally sold. “If GE alfalfa is commercialized, it will only be a matter of time before GE contamination spreads to non-GE alfalfa and we begin to see serious economic consequences to Canadian farmers who grow for domestic and international markets,” said Deputy Agriculture Critic Malcolm Allen.

Bill C-474 is up for debate on March 17 and will likely come to a vote sometime this spring.