Short Bill Sparks Hot Debate

Bill C-474 is sure stirring up a lot a fuss for being only 42 words long. The bill states in its entirety: “The governor-in-council shall, within 60 days after this act comes into force, amend the Seeds Regulations to require that an analysis of potential harm to export markets be conducted before the sale of

Mixing Math And Science

This quote attributed to Albert Einstein underscores the risks of mixing math with science. The two go hand in hand for practical analytical purposes, but whereas one relies on absolute proof through repeatable patterns, the other is based on accumulating empirical evidence. In other words, in order for a mathematical equation to be accepted as


Flaxseed Exports Up As Low Prices Create Demand

Canadian flaxseed exports are actually up on the year, despite ongoing problems moving the commodity to the traditional European market. An export official said the increased export pace was largely due to a pickup in Chinese buying at lower price levels. According to the latest Canadian Grain Commission data, Canada had exported a total of

GM Flax, Alfalfa Focus Of Debate At KAP

“But today, I think you can test for everything except for the existence of God. So, we’re screwed.” – Ed Rempel Resolut ions aimed at cur ing both present and future headaches caused by genetically modified crops were discussed at the latest Keystone Agricultural Producers general council. Two resolutions were approved, one to look at


Flax Is Fabulous For Food

“Nobody else in the world can do it – take the oil, put it in a bottle and keep it stable for the period of time that we can.” – JIM DOWNEY Ask Jim Downey, CEO of Brandon-based Shape Foods, why he’s so energized and the former deputy premier and Progressive Conservative MLA for Arthur,

Some Farmers Asking Who Is Liable?

Saskatchewan farmer Gordon Nodge asked the question that’s on a lot of farmers’ minds: Who’s to blame for the contamination of Canada’s flax by CDC Triffid? “The liability for the inadvertent leak and subsequent contamination (of Canada’s non-GM flax) must lay somewhere,” said the farmer from Swift Current, Sask., during a conference call March 18


Atamanenko Proposal To Expand GE Crop Review Stalled

A proposal by NDP Agricultural Critic Alex Atamanenko to expand the assessment of new GE crop varieties to include their export market acceptability was stalled in the Commons March 17. He likely won’t learn the fate of his private member’s bill for some time, but Conservative MPs seem determined to talk it out when it

Flax Growers Urged To Test Seed Before Planting

“I just want farmers, particularly if you’re going to use your farm-saved seed, make sure that you get it tested properly because the paperwork will be needed for fall when you want to sell it.” – ALLEN KUHLMAN All flaxseed needs to be rigorously tested and found to be free of CDC Triffid before being


NDP Proposes Tough Restrictions For New GE Crops

Aprivate member’s bill before the House of Commons this month would require regulators to consider the potential market impact of any new genetically engineered crop before approving it. Alex Atamanenko should get the backing of his fellow NDPers as well as Bloq MPs, who are against GE crops. The Liberals tend to be divided on

Oilseed Sector Research Gets Government Boost

The federal government is offering up to $19 million for the Canola Council of Canada to lead research in partnership with the Flax Council of Canada, industry scientists and universities, a federal release says. “The oilseed industry is an important driver of Canada’s economy and that’s why our government is making strategic investments to keep