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EU seeks revised GMO rules to loosen curbs on gene-edited crops

Countries including Canada have put gene-edited plants at a lower regulatory level than GMOs, but the conversation has been ongoing in the EU

The European Commission proposed a revision of its rules on genetically modified organisms July 5 to loosen restrictions for plants resulting from newer gene-editing technology. The EU executive said the move would allow farmers to secure access to climate or pest-resistant crops with less fertilizers or pesticides and consumers would be able to buy food with better nutritional value

Gene editing can literally rewrite DNA.

Comment: Genetic frontiers pushed back

What is gene editing and how could it shape our future?

It is the most exciting time in genetics since the discovery of DNA in 1953. This is mainly due to scientific breakthroughs including the ability to change DNA through a process called gene editing. The potential for this technology is truly astonishing, from treating genetic diseases to modifying food crops. One company even professes to


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Health Canada decision adds fuel to gene editing debate

Proponents say gene editing will allow faster innovation. Opponents say it’s potentially dangerous and may undermine trust

A recent Health Canada decision deemed gene-edited plants safe for the Canadian food supply — and the decision wasn’t without controversy. This spring, Health Canada ruled on new guidance for its Novel Food Regulations, after lengthy consultations. Why it matters: Removing gene-edited plants from the more highly regulated class of “novel foods,” under a set


Comment: With gene editing, let’s not repeat the same mistakes

Comment: With gene editing, let’s not repeat the same mistakes

Consumers will reap many benefits from this new technology, but their needs should be respected

We have now heard that Health Canada is likely to treat gene-edited crops differently from genetically modified crops, or GMOs, which means the oversight provided by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency would look very much like the one we see for conventionally bred crops. This issue is obviously far removed from consumers but will certainly


England to ease regulations on gene editing in agricultural research

Britain’s Farming and Environment Minister George Eustice announced recently that regulations related to gene editing in agricultural research would be eased in England following a public consultation. Rules will now largely be aligned with conventional breeding methods for research and development into plants although scientists will still be required to notify the government of any

Canada signatory to biotechnology support statement

Twenty-eight countries support the call for minimizing trade disruption related to biotech crops

Agri-food groups are welcoming Canada’s work in formulating an international statement supporting biotechnology and regulatory agreements that support the technology and minimize trade disruptions. “Growers are excited about the potential of new plant-breeding innovations,” said Jeff Nielsen, president of Grain Growers of Canada. “We look forward to also seeing progress here at home.” New tools

Academics say GM wheat possible subversion

Academics say GM wheat possible subversion

No one has offered an explanation for wheat to appear after 17 years, and far from its original plot

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency needs to keep investigating the still-unknown variety of genetically modified wheat found in Alberta last year, says the Canadian co-author of an article that speculates on who could have planted it. Rob Wager of Vancouver Island University, who specializes in biochemistry and molecular biology, is the co-author of ‘The Mystery


The CFIA announced on June 14 that seven genetically modified wheat plants had been found earlier this year.

GM wheat in Alberta raises questions

CFIA stresses what’s most important is Canada’s commercial wheat and seed system are GM-free

Regulators are scratching their heads after seven genetically modified wheat plants were found in Alberta. No country, including Canada, allows genetically modified (GM) wheat to be produced commercially, so the discovery raises questions, including some the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) can’t answer, like how it got there and the variety of wheat involved. However,

Local farmers, nutritionists, researchers and industry representatives tackle the GMO debate at the Brandon screening of “Food Evolution” April 10.

Documentary takes off the gloves on GMO debate

GMOs have been a lightning rod for controversy, but documentary 
‘Food Evolution’ argues that science has been the underdog in the debate

Agriculture recently had a red-carpet moment, with twin screening of the documentary “Food Evolution” in Brandon and Winnipeg. Organized by the Manitoba Canola Growers, Canola Eat Well, the Manitoba Farm Writers and Broadcasters Association, Canadian Agri-Marketing Association and Assiniboine Community College, screening and panel discussion on April 10 aimed to educate the public about the