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


U. S. Eyes Regulatory Overhaul

Since 1987, the USDA has overseen genetically modified organisms through the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. APHIS’s Biotechnology Regulatory Services (BRS) regulates GE organisms based on “plant pest risk.” USDA has said it wants to make changes that ensure safety while making the process more transparent to the public, and more efficient and easier

BASF’s GM Traits Coming To Farmer Via Monsanto

“In the next 10 years you’re going to see water use efficiency, nitrogen use efficiency, more efficient plants that can just grow better, period.” – JONATHAN BRYANT BASF has invested $1.5 billion developing genetically modified (GM) crops and so far hasn’t earned a cent. But it expects that will soon change, a senior company official


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

Global GMO Crop Growth Expands

Led by U. S. producers, 14 million farmers around the world planted genetically modified crops last year, increasing planted biotech cropland by seven per cent, even as biotech crop use declined in Europe, according to an industry report issued late last month. Expansions were noted for biotech soybeans, corn and cotton, and the appeal to


India Politics Delay GM Vegetable Start

“It is my duty to adopt a cautious, precautionary, principle-based approach.” – JAIRAM RAMESH India has postponed the launch of its first genetically modified (GM) vegetable, saying it would adopt a cautious approach and wait for more scientific studies on the impact of the new variety of eggplant. “The moratorium will be in place until

Opposition To GM Wheat Remains Strong

Acoalition of farmer and consumer groups opposed to the introduction of genetically modified wheat says their campaign now has support from 233 consumer and farmer groups in 26 countries. The 233 groups signed the rejection statement first launched by 15 Australian, Canadian and U. S. farmer and consumer groups in June 2009, according to a


EU Weighs Proposals To Break GMO Deadlock

Plans to let national governments decide whether to allow genetically modified (GMO) crop cultivation on their land could unblock a paralysis in EU GMO approvals, but risk igniting internal-market disputes. Proposals from the Dutch and Austrian governments, under consideration by the executive European Commission, have won the backing of several countries and interested parties, and

The Colour Of Farm Politics

A lot of Europeans travel but don’t seem to worry about consuming GM crops while on holiday in another country. Green is the new Red. In other words, a big part of the Green movement is fuelled by people with a philosophy that used to be called Red – a philosophy that’s anti-business and anti-development.