Hank Riese thinks someone needs to “apply the brakes a little” when it comes to the so-called terminator gene in crops.
The farmer from Lockport, Man., worries that all of the seed stocks will eventually be controlled by large corporations. He wonders where that might leave farmers.
Riese shared his thoughts at a recent meeting of Keystone Agricultural Producers in Brandon. The KAP member wants something done to protect the ability of farmers to reproduce their own seed stocks.
A motion brought before KAP, Manitoba’s general farm group, called for the curtailment of the terminator gene technology. The terminator technology, still in the experimental stage, genetically alters a plant so that its seeds are sterile.
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“Our intent was that farmers retain some right to have their own seed,” said Riese, explaining the purpose of the motion.
The motion was defeated at the KAP meeting. Members wanted more information on the issue, noting that the terminator gene also could bring benefits to farmers.
“I think you have to be really careful of what you ask for here,” cautioned Theresa Bergsma of the Manitoba Corn Growers Association.
There are already hybrid corn crops grown in Manitoba that produce sterile seed. In an interview, Bergsma noted there is competition among the companies marketing hybrid seed.
“We’ve had more hybrids coming out in the last few years than you can shake a stick at.”
Bergsma said problems could arise if KAP is seen as being against plant breeders’ rights.
Chuck Fossay of Starbuck, Man., said he is concerned by the continuing amalgamation of seed and chemical companies and what that might mean for producers. He also is concerned about farmers’ access to affordable seed.
“If you have to start buying seed every year, it becomes a concern and it limits the choices and options of what you can do.”
But Fossay agreed the topic needs more study into both its benefits and drawbacks. Among other things, he suggested the terminator gene could prevent a crop from returning as an unwanted volunteer the following year.
KAP’s biotechnology committee will be studying the issue further.
