GM seeds & crops play important role

C-474, An Act respecting the Seeds Regulations (analysis of potential harm), has generated a lot of attention in the local media because a small but committed group of folks who are against genetically modified (GM) food believe that C-474 supports their position.

In fact, this bill is neither about support for, nor opposition to, the use or manufacture of genetically modified agricultural products.

C-474 does not remove from our food system currently used GM crops like corn, canola or soy. It does not require labeling of GM foods. It does not stop the import to Canada of new GM crops from other countries.

Bill C-474 is about halting the production of any new Canadian GM seeds and crops if there is the potential they could harm export markets.

On this basis, while a majority of importing countries may accept a GM product, and a small minority may reject it, Canada’s access to the entire world market would be lost to our producers because of the potential risk of a GM product being exported to a non-accepting market.

Canada is the fifth largest producer of GM crops in the world. Canola and thus canola oil, known widely for its health benefits, is one such crop. Ninety per cent of the crop is genetically modified with a majority of our production going to export markets. It is a major Canadian agricultural success story.

As with all crops, canola had to undergo a rigorous health, safety and environmental regulatory review.

The Canadian regulatory system is one of the most comprehensive and respected science-based systems in the world, which has given Canada substantial international credibility.

It was this system which led to a resolution of the BSE crisis. Canada’s science based regulatory system, not unfounded fears, re-opened international borders for Canadian beef. More importantly, we did not stop beef production or sale because certain countries rejected our meat.

The same principle needs to apply here. We should not shut down an entire agricultural sector simply because other countries fear genetically modified food.

As well, there is compelling scientific evidence that halting GM production would be doing more harm than good.

The United Nations predicts the world population will peak at 9.1 billion by 2050. That means the world will require a 70% increase in food production to meet the rise in demand.

Smart, safe, secure application of GM seeds and crops will play an important role in the international community's contribution to addressing world hunger and malnutrition, an effort that will depend on our willingness to develop new food and agricultural technology, including GM crops that can adapt to drought and floods attributed to climate change.

Under C-474, Canada could not participate.

As a father and a grandfather, I want to know that our food is safe for consumption.

As an elected official, I must vote responsibly and ensure that C-474 creates more benefit than harm.

I have listened carefully to the concerns of my constituents opposed to genetically modified food. I have learned more about Canada’s GM crop production and I have reviewed the health, safety and environmental regulations that are in place.

After considering both sides of the debate I have concluded that GM seeds and crops, properly regulated, play an important role in the future of agriculture in Canada and in the world. C-474, if passed would put in jeopardy Canada’s significant contribution to the production of safe, reliable GM crops and would irreparably harm our competitiveness, our farmers and our export markets.

While I know that this will be unpopular with some of my constituents, I can honestly say that I have done my best to make the right decision.

Facts rather than fear, broad rather than narrow agendas and solutions that ensure the benefits outweigh the risks - this must be the basis of our agriculture policies and any policies we set in place in the future.

Ron Cannan is the MP for Kelowna-Lake Country. If any of you have any questions or comments on federally-related matters, please contact Ron at [email protected] or by phone at 470-5075.

This article is written by or on behalf of an outsourced columnist and does not necessarily reflect the views of Castanet.