This year, prairie canola growers seeded about two million acres of herbicide-tolerant plants.
Flax growers did not have that option, even though flax varieties with similar qualities have been developed.
This twist in the tale of transgenics in Canada’s two oilseeds comes mainly because of different markets for the crops. And the controversy in the European Union over the safety and ethics of genetic engineering will play a big role in determining the next chapter.
Transgenic varieties are essential to help increase yields and acreage of canola, said Dale Adolphe, president of the Canola Council of Canada.
Read Also
Forecast leans toward cooling trend
July saw below average temperatures, August came in with near to slightly above average temperatures and September built on this warming trend with well above average temperatures for the month.
In 1995-96, transgenic canola was kept out of the bulk handling system. But by the end of 1996, more than 90 percent of the market was considered open to the canola.
Canada, the United States and Japan had approved the varieties, and Mexico had no objections. The last hold-out was the European Union.
The EU had approved herbicide-resistant soybeans, and approval for canola was thought to be imminent. So, Canada abandoned its strict identity-preserved policy, and lost the European market until governments give the nod to transgenic canola.
The flax industry has taken a completely different approach.
Eighty percent of the million tonnes of flax produced by Canada each year goes to export markets, said Bruce McDonald, a University of Manitoba professor on the Flax Council of Canada.
Two-thirds of exports go across the Atlantic, mostly to be crushed for linseed oil, used in paints, resins and plastics.
“The EU is key to the flax market at the present time,” said McDonald.
Health benefits
But many people in the flax industry believe the human consumption market for flax seed will lead growth for the crop in the future. The seed is rich in essential fatty acids, adds fibre to diets and may help prevent heart disease, lower cholesterol, and prevent cancer.
The flax council doesn’t oppose biotechnology. In fact, McDonald said it could help increase the health benefits of flax.
“There’s been no effort on the part of the flax council to curb any experimentation,” he said.
But if there’s a controversy with the crop, the council believes the EU could cut off imports.
“That’s the end of the industry right there, as far as Canada is concerned,” McDonald said.
Until importers give formal approval to genetically manipulated traits in flax, the council does not want to see transgenic varieties in farmers’ fields.
Trade issues are key to biotechnology, said Bob Ingratta, director of government regulatory affairs for Monsanto Canada Inc.
But he believes the EU will resolve its impasse on transgenics within five years. He said he thinks the EU will start by approving genetically modified corn sometime next year, followed by canola.
His company has been working on the European issue for the past decade.
“You wonder whether it’s a technical barrier to trade so they can catch up,” he said, referring to the huge biotechnology research programs in Europe.
But he added he believes European consumers have “very real concerns” that need to be addressed.
