Some market observers believe developing crop varieties that directly benefit consumers, such as gluten-free wheat, will help increase public acceptance of gene editing.  |  File photo

Jury still out on public acceptance of gene editing

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 more

Cibus is one company doing a lot of work on seed traits and is expected to commercialize three new traits in Canada before the end of this decade. | Getty Images

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

Canada’s pulse industry is taking a go-slow approach when it comes to gene editing and may not release gene-edited varieties in Western Canada until there’s more certainty around market risk.  |  File photo

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


Dan Jenkin is vice-president of Regulatory and Government Affairs for Pairwise, a gene editing company. | John Greig photo

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

The major issues on the agenda include the challenges that the decline in free trade and globalization brings to major suppliers of seeds, the acceptance of gene editing and the technology involved in that process. Here, Marco van Leeuwen, president of the International Seed Federation and managing director of seed company Rijk Zwaan, addresses the conference. | John Greig photo

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


Scientists plan to use gene editing to decrease drought risk and increase carbon sequestration by making plant roots bigger. | Screencap via cquesta.com

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

Consumer acceptance and governance are seen as the primary hurdles facing gene editing technology.  |  File photo

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

A high-protein variety of soybeans could affect the global marketplace for plant proteins and Canada’s strategy to become a major player in this sector.  |  File photo

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


The latest approvals are particularly notable in that they include a wheat type that has been gene edited to be resistant to the fungal disease powdery mildew.
 | File photo

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