Alternative crops will replace genetically modified ones as the research focus shifts at Saskatoon’s Crop Development Centre over the next two years.
The shift follows a review in January by Saskatchewan Agriculture’s Agriculture Development Fund. It reviewed its five-year funding to CDC and adjusted its programs.
Abdul Jalil, director of Saskatchewan Agriculture’s research branch, said gene transformation is now less of a priority than the development of crops like herbs and spices.
“If there are no markets, there’s no point for us to put money into some of these programs,” he said. “We have to use it where the producers want it.”
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He said funding will increase to $2.35 million over the next five years. It was $1.87 million for 2000-01.
While the funding amount has increased, CDC director Rick Holm said it is not enough to sustain current programs and add new ones already planned for.
He was reached by phone at the Canadian Seed Trade Association meeting in Alberta July 16, where he attended presentations on a host of seed industry issues from GMOs to demand for organic seed to identity preservation programs.
Holm maintains there is great potential in gene transformation as a method of improving crop varieties, but conceded consumer reluctance to it will likely continue for some time.
“We have a basic dilemma if we go that route and release GMO varieties that jeopardize existing markets. We are really in a no-win situation,” said Holm. “We can’t release GMO varieties until we’re convinced the market will accept them.”
The new funding provides for the addition of a pulse crop pathologist in April and a program in new crops development. Crops will be selected and field tests will begin by the 2002 growing season.
They would most likely include crops like fenugreek and others showing promise for nutraceuticals.
Molecular marking, another new project, will look into tracking special markers associated with a desired trait.
“If you can select the marker, you can screen breeding material in the lab rather than having to grow out the infected disease and then select the lines that are resistant,” Holm said.
“It’s a more efficient system.”
He said the phase-out of gene transformation and related research in stress physiology within two years would affect two scientists’ positions.
