Canadians won’t likely be eating genetically modified potatoes any time soon.
McCain’s Foods, Canada’s largest potato processor, has decided not to accept any genetically altered product.
“We have told our Canadian growers with the 2000 crop year we won’t accept any GMO potatoes,” said Scoop Fredstrom from McCain’s head office in Florenceville, N.B.
This was a business decision because international customers are increasingly requesting GMO-free potatoes, said Fredstrom.
Potato seeds are not segregated so no one is sure under what conditions the plants were grown. Fredstrom estimates only about five to 10 percent of Canadian potatoes came from genetically altered stock.
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Alberta seed potato growers planted only about 70 acres out of 10,000 acres to NatureMark, a division of Monsanto, which markets genetically modified potato varieties called New Leaf.
“The grower in Alberta didn’t have a reason to use the current genetically modified potatoes that are currently available,” said Ed Van Dellen of the Potato Growers Association in Taber.
Potato varieties have been developed with a resistance to Colorado potato beetle and leaf roll virus. These pests are not considered a problem in Alberta, but the varieties were welcomed in the Maritimes where the insects are troublesome.
Since many Alberta seed potatoes are exported to the United States, growers might consider growing them if there was an export demand, said Van Dellen.
A Roundup-ready potato is in development and growers here might be interested in growing them.
“We think it is a good science that provides benefits to the growers and consumers because there are fewer pesticides,” Van Dellen said but more information and study is needed.
“Perhaps the packaging of this technology was not as good as it should have been. It’s a product that has merit.”
Stephanie Darchuk of NatureMark potatoes, recognizes the resistance against GM products.
“We’re continuing to work with the industry to see where the potatoes can go,” she said.
NatureMark sells the technology to growers who multiply the seed with the NatureMark name. The first product was New Leaf potato, which is resistant to the Colorado potato beetle. It was released in the U.S. in 1995 and came to Canada in 1996.
Less insecticides
Field trials showed farmers used 80 percent less insecticide and in some cases no sprays were used because the bugs didn’t affect the plants. The technology to deter insects is derived from a bacteria found in the soil and Darchuk argues that it is a safe, natural product.
Genetic modifications for bruise control is in the early stages.
“That is something a lot of processors are excited about,” she said. “Processors are not turning away from this technology because they don’t believe in it.”
Instead, the media and public have questioned the GM technology and how it affects people who eat foods produced using the technology.
There are three waves of development with genetically altered potatoes. The first is to benefit growers by offering potatoes that are resistant to insects and disease.
The second stage is better potatoes for the processors. These potatoes bruise less and have a higher solids content. This reduces fry times and produces a more uniform fry or chip.
The final wave of development benefits consumers who will get a more nutritious potato. Under development are potatoes that absorb less oil during fry time, have fewer calories and more vitamins.
