Dow agrees to safeguards for new crops, 2,4-D weed killer combo

Reuters / A U.S. farmer group said Sept. 11 it is dropping its opposition to efforts by Dow AgroSciences to roll out a new biotech crop system in exchange for a series of commitments by Dow, including help investigating any accidental crop damage. The deal calls for “several new safeguards” from Dow AgroSciences related to

U.S. plans to cut GMO crop oversight

Efforts to write benefits for biotech seed companies into U.S. legislation, including the 2013 Farm Bill, are sparking a backlash from groups that say the multiple measures would severely limit U.S. oversight of genetically modified crops. From online petitions to face-to-face lobbying on Capitol Hill, an array of consumer and environmental organizations and individuals are


Canola council names new VP of production

A familiar face in canola research has joined the Canola Council of Canada as its new vice-president of crop production. Curtis Rempel, who has been serving as acting director of the Richardson Centre for Functional Foods and Nutraceuticals at the University of Manitoba, will join the council July 17. Rempel is stepping into the position

BASF sees strong growth tied to GMO crop traits

Reuters / Global conglomerate BASF is rolling out a series of new plant science and plant protection products for farmers in the United States as it aims to increase its share of fast-growing markets, executives of the German chemical giant said. South America is also a target as BASF shifts its agricultural emphasis — and


Tomato genome project bears fruit

An international team of scientists has cracked the genetic code of the domesticated tomato and its wild ancestor, an achievement which should help breeders identify the genes needed to develop tastier and more nutritious varieties. The full genome sequence of a tomato breed known as Heinz 1706, and a draft sequence for its closest wild

Dow’s new biotech corn enters final stage of regulatory approval

Reuters / A new biotech corn developed by Dow AgroSciences could answer the prayers of U.S. farmers plagued by a fierce epidemic of super-weeds. Or it could trigger a flood of dangerous chemicals that may make weeds even more resistant and damage other important U.S. crops. Or, it could do both. “Enlist,” entering the final


Surface water management strategy a sustainable development imperative

It sure would be great to have access to the agricultural nutrients carried away 
by flood waters, as fertilizer prices continue to climb

What a difference a year makes. Last year at this time all of southern Manitoba was in various stages of panic as forecasts revealed just how bad the 2011 flood might be. Ultimately our traditional flooding hot spot, the Red River Valley was mostly spared with a combination of manageable flows and decades of preparation.

Death knell may sound for Canada’s GMO pigs

Without fresh funding, the animals will be euthanized 
and their genetic material put into cold storage

Pigs that might have become the world’s first genetically modified animals approved for human consumption may instead face an untimely end, as key backers of Canada’s “Enviropig” project withdrew their support for the controversial engineered animal. Scientists at the University of Guelph, 90 km west of Toronto, bred the first GMO pig that was developed


The cross with ancient species is considered a first

Reuters / Scientists in Australia have crossed a popular, commercial variety of wheat with an ancient species, producing a hardy, high-yielding plant that is tolerant of salty soil. The researchers, who published their work March 12 in the journal Nature Biotechnology, hope the new strain will help address food shortages in arid and semi-arid places

Scientist says drought-tolerant corn a “baby step” that does little for farmers

It would be better to plant conventional corn and improve agronomic practices than switch to “drought-tolerant” corn, says a veteran plant scientist. “The technology has gotten a tremendous amount of attention. We think undue attention,” said Doug Gurian-Sherman, a plant pathologist with the Union of Concerned Scientists. “It is a modest benefit and a real