Regulatory bodies around the world give the technology the green light, but how the public responds remains uncertain
WINNIPEG — “Uncertain” is a good way to describes how China, India and other food importing nations could respond to gene edited crops from Canada. Globally, the regulatory situation looks hopeful, said Krista Thomas, vice-president of trade policy and seed innovation with the Canada Grains Council. But in many cases the regulations for gene edited […] Read moreTag Archives gene editing — page 3

Gene editing promises to open floodgates for canola traits
Company uses the technology to develop new varieties that will target pod shatter, sclerotinia and herbicide resistance
SASKATOON — Canola growers can expect a bunch of new seed traits to hit the market in coming years as gene-editing technology takes off, says an industry official. Cibus is one company doing a lot of work on that front and is expected to commercialize three new traits in Canada before the end of this […] Read more
Pulse sector goes slow on gene editing
WINNIPEG — Canadian pulse growers may have to wait before they can plant gene-edited peas, lentils and chickpeas. Gene editing is a permitted technology in Canada and in India, a critical export market for pulse crops. However, researchers and pulse industry leaders are hesitant to release gene-edited varieties because they’re worried about market acceptance. For […] Read more

VIDEO: Gene editing race, illegal seed use in crosshairs at World Seed Congress
European Union pushes for alternative seed coatings in a bid to reduce microplastics
Glacier FarmMedia – Glacier FarmMedia’s John Greig is at the World Seed Congress in Rotterdam, The Netherlands this week. Watch for his daily updates on our websites and more in-depth coverage in our publications. There are now enough of the major crop-producing regions in the world with a pathway to market for gene-edited crops to […] Read more

VIDEO: World Seed Congress addresses global supply chain challenges
Glacier FarmMedia – Glacier FarmMedia’s John Greig is at the World Seed Congress in the Netherlands. Watch for his daily updates here and further coverage in Glacier FarmMedia’s publications and websites. The World Seed Congress is on in Rotterdam, Netherlands with a discussion of the major issues facing the seed and crops sector. Related story from this event: VIDEO: […] Read more

American company takes deep dive into root research
Scientists plan to use gene editing to decrease drought risk, increase carbon sequestration by making plant roots bigger
Glacier FarmMedia – An American company is gene editing roots to make them grow larger so plants can better tolerate drought and sequester more carbon. Cquesta chief executive officer Michael Ott told the Agri Tech Venture Forum that half the human impact on carbon released to the atmosphere can be accounted for if nature can […] Read more
Gene editing looks for acceptance as it evolves
Glacier FarmMedia – The rapid pace of change brought by genome editing tools has created many new opportunities for the agri-food industry, but they aren’t without challenges. Regulatory hurdles must be considered, and the tools must benefit society as well as the agriculture industry. That was the focus of a recent paper and webinar by […] Read more

High-protein soybeans could benefit Western Canada
Early-maturing varieties grown in Manitoba have a reputation for low protein and face a discount in global markets
WINNIPEG — A San Francisco company may soon commercialize a line of high-protein soybeans, which could lead to peas, wheat and other crops with more protein in the grain. In April, The U.S. Department of Agriculture approved the development of the gene-edited, high-protein soybeans, saying they don’t require further review or regulation. Amfora, the company […] Read more
China hopes GM crops will increase grain self-sufficiency
China’s government approved genetically modified wheat and corn varieties for domestic cultivation last week, marking a step forward in becoming a global advocate for crop genetic modification. In only a few years China shifted from a cautious approach to GMOs to solid support, with potential implications for the country’s self-sufficiency and for global attitudes about […] Read more

CFIA declares gene editing safe for livestock feed
WINNIPEG — Leaders in Canada’s grain industry are praising the Canadian Food Inspection Agency for a decision made on gene edited crops and livestock feeds. Today, the Canola Council of Canada, the Canada Grains Council and Cereals Canada “applauded” the CFIA for its new guidance on gene editing. Related stories: “This is a ground-breaking day […] Read more