Increased research into fusarium-resistant wheat varieties will have to be a key part of the battle against the spreading and costly disease, industry representatives told MPs last week.
Some suggested that genetically modified varieties will have to be part of the campaign, despite resistance from customers and farmers.
“Part of this research could include the application of biotechnology,” said Geoff Hewson, Saskatchewan vice-president for the Western Canadian Wheat Growers Association.
“(Farmers have seen) significant economic and environmental benefits of biotechnology including reduced pesticide use, lower fuel prices, reduced soil erosion and higher yields,” he said Oct. 20 before the Commons agriculture committee.
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“We believe biotechnology has the potential to play an important role in minimizing the effects of fusarium and in enhancing food safety.”
However, he also conceded that the market is not ready for GM wheat.
“It’s no use having wheat that you can’t market.”
Customer opposition
Derek Jamieson, vice-president of P&H Milling Group that includes seven flour mills in five provinces and a pea processing plant in Saskatchewan, said the milling industry has no view on the appropriateness of GM wheat, but market skepticism remains strong.
“Generally, we get – P&H Milling Group – probably an average of a request every month at each of our locations for a declaration that we are not using bio-engineered wheat, even though it doesn’t even exist in Canada,” he told MPs. “But our customers are insisting on those declarations, so as long as the consumer is resistant to it, it’s going to be a challenge.”
Alberta Conservative MP Brian Storseth said the industry and authorities should begin to promote the potential of GM wheat and fight fear-mongering that opponents use when fighting the new technology.
“Certainly, it may be eight to 10 years away but if we don’t get started now, it’s going to be 10 to 20 years away.”
