Key issues surrounding the possible introduction of genetically modified wheat are under review by a group set up with representation by key stakeholders.
The Biotech Wheat Working Group has already conducted an “environmental scan” of the wheat industry, which is aimed at identifying issues that would need to be addressed before GM wheat could be commercialized in Canada.
Issues identified included market acceptance, best management practices, bulk handling capabilities, low level presence policies, regulatory issues and the industry’s ability to segregate GM and non-GM wheat varieties.
Read Also
Crop input costs to rise in 2026: FCC
Crop input costs are expected to rise in 2026, while crop prices are expected to come down, according to Farm Credit Canada’s analysis.
The group, made up of representatives from government, grain companies, grower organizations, and biotechnology companies, is also preparing a questionnaire organizations can use to assess and monitor customer perceptions of GM wheat.
Preliminary responses to the questionnaire are likely to be available within six to eight months.
“Really, it (the BWWG) is looking at issues that surround the introduction of GM wheat if and when it happens,” said group co-chair Barry Senft, who also serves as chief executive officer of Grain Farmers of Ontario.
BWWG was formed two years ago to look at the implications of introducing GM wheat and begin a process to identify key issues.
It is co-chaired by Senft and Chantelle Donahue, director of corporate affairs with Cargill Canada.
Senft, originally from Lipton, Sask., has held a variety of executive positions in the private and public sectors over the past 25 years, including second vice-president of Saskatchewan Wheat Pool in the mid-1990s, chief commissioner of the Canadian Grain Commission from 1997 to 2002 and executive director of the Canadian International Grains Institute.
The group reports to a larger committee know as the Grain Roundtable, whose membership includes more than 40 organizations, including producer groups.
General farm organizations are not represented, but Senft said participation on the committee is open to any organization that sits on the Grain Roundtable.
