Ask A Farmer About Biotechnology

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Farmers are in a unique position to talk about biotechnology because they are among the first to use genetically modified (GM) plants. Farmers have experienced both the advantages and drawbacks of GM plants.

Let's meet three canola farmers from Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Ontario as they share their ideas and experiences with GM canola.

Ernie Sirski- Dauphin, Manitoba
In 1975, Ernie Sirski took over the family farm in the Dauphin area of Manitoba. Ernie helped transform the 99 acre (40-hectare) family farm into a profitable operation with more than 1,581 acres (640 hectares) in production. This is a lot of land since the average size of a farm in Manitoba is 791 acres (320 hectares). Some of the crops grown on the farm include winter cereals, canola, oats and barley.

One of the most significant changes on the farm since Ernie took over has been seeding his crop without tilling the soil. This procedure is referred to as no-till. The benefits to no-till are improved soil structure, decreased fuel costs and less time spent driving the tractor. GM canola helped with the transition to no-till because Ernie does not have to rely on soil-incorporated herbicides to control troublesome weeds.

Kelvin Meadows- Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan
Kelvin and Shelley Meadows bought their farm in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan ten years ago. They came into the business with very little but have built a successful operation on 2,000 acres (810 hectares) of land. Kelvin is a select seed grower and therefore has small plot production. They have a seed plant where their seed is processed for export and they clean canola and other crops to be sold locally. Kelvin has also moved into other farm ventures such as vegetable production, bees for crop pollination and agri-tourism to teach others about food production.

When Kelvin and Shelley bought their farm, one of their first and most significant changes was to phase-out cultivating and to implement a no-till system in order to reduce fuel costs and the time spent on the tractor, as well as to decrease soil compaction and erosion. They bought an air-drill to direct seed their crops. The use of genetically modified (GM) canola has resulted in improved yield and reduced pesticide use.

Neil Driscoll- Wellington County, Ontario
When Neil graduated from high school, he went back to the family farm his parents, Stan and Marg, had been farming for the past 40 years. When Stan started the farm, it only had 50 acres (20 hectares) in production and now, with Neil and his family, wife Barb and daughter Tate, the farm has increased to 4500 acres (1,800 hectares). Neil and Stan also run a successful custom seeder and harvest operation for an additional 1000 acres (400 hectares) on neighbouring farms. The home farm is located in Wellington County, near the city of Guelph, but they may drive 70-80 km north to farm their land. Most of the production is in corn and soybeans but the amount of canola grown has been increasing in acres over the years. Other crops grown are winter wheat and barley.

One of the significant changes that Neil has seen over the years is the increase in options of crops to grow in his area but the decrease in the amount of chemical product that he can access. With only a small percentage of canola acreage grown in Ontario, Neil finds it difficult to source chemicals to control invasive weeds such as sow thistle. GM canola has made it possible to have another crop option to grow and market. Neil also grows GM corn and soybeans.

Canola and Biotechnology – What’s the story?

Producers in Canada can choose to grow a number of different types or varieties of canola. Argentine canola (Brassica napus) or long season types are the most commonly grown. Shorter season Polish types (Brassica rapa) are grown on about 5 per cent of the acreage in western Canada.

B. napus types include conventional canola varieties, as well as novel trait herbicide-tolerant varieties. Genetically modified (GM) canola types include Roundup Ready, Liberty Link and Bromoxynil-tolerant canola varieties. These varieties are called GM because genes that result in tolerance to a specific herbicide were transferred from bacteria into the plant material. The herbicide-tolerant gene was found in bacteria commonly found in the soil.

What are other people saying about biotechnology?

The arguments for and against the use of biotechnology for food production and processing are powerful, and sometimes contradictory. Here are some perspectives from different groups:

Canola Council of Canada (2003)
"Biotechnology is creating a new era in agriculture and in the pharmaceutical, forestry and fishery industries. Food biotechnology holds significant promise to consumers. Benefits now and in the future include foods with enhanced nutritional qualities, improved methods of monitoring food safety and extended shelf life for fruits and vegetables."

Canadian Federation of Agriculture (2003)
"CFA is concerned that a mandatory labeling standard for GM foods will cause unnecessary hardship for Canadian farmers, while it will do little to improve Canadians’ confidence in Canada’s regulatory system."

Canadian Organic Growers (2003)
"GE plants, seeds, pollen, microbes and DNA threaten the natural complexity on which organic agriculture and the food system is based."

Council of Canadians (2003)
" This science brings promises of cure for hunger with the advent of genetically engineered (GE) foods, new sources of energy and fiber to create a "renewable" society, miraculous drugs and gene therapy which would produce healthier babies, eliminate human suffering and extend human life."