To the Editor:
The Western Producer’s editorial on page 10 of the Dec. 16 issue, “Gene editing another necessary tool for farmers,” mentions the position of the 16-member Canadian Biotechnology Action Network recently stated in our press release focused on concerns if new regulatory guidance changes on genetically engineered foods and seeds go ahead.
However, it fails to mention the letter signed by 105 groups opposing the changes and calling for government oversight and transparency for all genetically engineered foods and seeds including those produced by gene editing.
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The proposals demand debate. Farmers should know that the result would be gene-edited seeds on the market without any government oversight. In fact, because regulators would exempt these gene-edited foods and seeds from regulation, they may enter the market unknown to anyone but the companies selling them.
If the agriculture industry wants to protect its investment in building public trust, it should reflect on the impacts of changes that would allow most new gene-edited foods and seeds to enter the market unregulated and unreported. If gene editing is a necessary tool for farmers, then its products should be backed by independent government safety review and transparency for both consumers and farmers.
