“Competition in the seed industry is robust.” – MONSANTO The American Antitrust Institute (AAI) has set its sights on Monsanto, the world’s largest agricultural biotechnology company, in its latest attack on anti-competitive behaviour. A few large companies dominate the development of new traits used in genetically modified (GM), according to a discussion paper released last
Monsanto Anti-Competitive, U. S. Antitrust Group Warns
Think Twice Before Ripping Up This Year’s Corn
As tempting as it is to write off and rip up this year’s mouldy corn crop, it’s a decision farmers need to consider carefully. Not only will the outcome affect revenue from this year’s crop, but future crop insurance coverage as well. The Manitoba Agricultural Service Corporation (MASC) says corn can be written off when
You’ll Need A GM Test First Starting Dec. 1
Starting Dec. 1, western Canadian flax will have to be tested for the presence of genetically modified (GM) flax before elevators will accept delivery. It’s part of the protocol reached recently between Canada and the European Union (EU) to ensure the EU gets GM-free flax from Canada, says Flax Council of Canada president Barry Hall.
Minister Says Canadian Canola Doesn’t Sprout
Efforts to dissuade China from blocking imports of Canadian canola over fears of blackleg haven’t gone well, and comments by Canada’s agriculture minister may not have helped. Gerry Ritz said Monday in Winnipeg he told Chinese officials they needn’t fear their farmers growing Canadian canola because the seed won’t grow. “I assured them that with
EU, Canada Agree To Flax-Shipping Protocol
“We found less than 10 positive results in the value chain (handling system) so far.” – REMI GOSSELIN The European Union (EU) has accepted Canada’s protocol designed to keep GM flax out of Canadian flax exports to the EU. It’s another step towards resuming Canadian flax exports to the European Union (EU), on hold since
Monsanto Ponders GM Wheat For Canada
Monsanto’s approach to commercializing genetically modified (GM) wheat in Canada will be guided by Canada’s wheat industry, says Monsanto Canada spokesperson Trish Jordan. That is if Monsanto decides to develop GM wheat for the Canadian market. “Right now… we simply don’t know,” Jordan told a luncheon in Winnipeg Oct. 28 hosted by the Manitoba Farm
Prairie Farm Leaders Agree On Issues
“It is a sign of trouble I think and market protection seems to be the issue.” – ian wishart Protection for farmers when they deliver grain, trade barriers, saving producer car loading sites and cattle price insurance were on the agenda when the presidents of the Prairie provinces’ three general farm organizations met in Regina
Progress On Resuming Flax Exports
“No one should be under the impression that the acceptance of this protocol is suddenly going to open up the market in Europe again.” – BARRY HALL Flax industry officials are hopeful a new testing protocol presented to the European Union earlier this month will help restore export trade. A protocol for testing Canadian flax
Stewart Wells Not Running For NFU President
“I think what a lot of people have come to understand is that they can count on the NFU to watch farmers’ bottom lines.” – STEWART WELLS The National Farmers Union (NFU) is like Cassandra of Greek mythology – it predicts the future, but nobody believes it, according to Stewart Wells, who after eight years
Watch For Mouldy Corn
Mould is showing up in some Manitoba cornfields – especially in the southeast – but so far it’s not widespread, said Wilt Billing, area agronomist with Pioneer Hi-Bred. “It’s not catastrophic, just the early signs of mould developing and Mother Nature is going to determine whether it takes off or not,” Billing said in an