Western Producer | January 13, 2000 | Barbara Duckworth, Calgary bureau
The backlash against genetically modified food is, according to this story, forcing governments, scientists and private companies that develop these products to rethink their activities.
Graham Scoles, who works with crop biotechnology at the University of Saskatchewan, was quoted as saying,"When this came along, those of us in the breeding community saw this as a new tool to use. One could not have seen the concerns that have arisen since then."
Scoles was further cited as saying that emotions and food scares are keeping some genetically modified products out of certain markets, yet many people forget herbicide or disease resistance can also be bred into plants using traditional plant breeding methods. Scoles said the rejection of GMOs may be more of a trade barrier than a scientifically based reason.
Edna Einseidel, a communications professor at the University of Calgary who organized a citizens' forum to discuss in layman's terms how this new science affects them, was cited as saying the public is confused by the disagreements they see among experts and that while Canadians generally accept biotechnology for medical purposes, they are more reluctant about accepting GMOs in their grocery cart.
Einseidel plans to launch a national study to test Canadians' attitudes about biotechnology. People were largely in favor of the work three years ago, but she suspects that may have changed, adding, "GMO has become a liability. Trust is a requisite for the technology to succeed."
The Canadian Wheat Board is polling its customers to see if they are willing to buy GM cereals.
After questioning 25 customers, the board learned that millers and maltsters are willing to accept bioengineered crops with some conditions. Earl Geddes, program director of marketing and head of the biotechnology strategy at the board was cited as saying the study will be repeated this April to measure whether attitudes have changed, said.
A consistent message from these processors said they are only interested in transgenics if there is value in it for them. They want functional changes that improve starch, protein or nutrient levels.
Maltsters are looking for better enzyme activity to brew better beer. They are not interested in herbicide-resistant crops. The survey found a positive response to plants carrying disease resistance. Grain blends better if it is resistant to fusarium head blight. The wheat board prefers quality over herbicide resistance. It said it is not interested in trying to sell transgenic grains that do not earn a premium.
