May 3, 2024 will be remembered as a “landmark day for Canadian agriculture,” said the Canadian Grains Council’s Vice-President, Trade Policy and Seed Innovation.
It comes as the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) releases its third and final update on upcoming gene-edited crop regulations, clearing the regulatory pathway for them to be treated the same as traditionally bred varieties and cultivars. Because I did.
In other words, gene-edited crops are considered “non-novel” or “non-genetically modified” under Canadian standards and are approved based on traits and characteristics, rather than breeding techniques or development methods.
Health Canada and the CFIA previously announced that they would no longer require gene-edited crops to go through a new crop process to receive health and environmental approval. The third and final policy update on the use of gene-edited crops in livestock feed was released Friday morning.
“This is a landmark day for Canadian agriculture as the Canadian Food Inspection Agency confirms livestock feed guidance, marking the last in a series of important policy updates that began in 2018.” Grains Council Christa Thomas of the association explains. “With this final piece in place, Health Canada and the CFIA have responded to a long-standing request from the seed and grain sector for predictable, clear and consistent policy on gene-edited crops.”
“This news presents an incredible opportunity for innovation in the grain sector. We are particularly excited about crops that can better tolerate environmental stresses such as drought and pests without compromising yield. ” Thomas continued, noting that gene editing allows us to develop superior varieties much more quickly and efficiently than traditional plant breeding methods.
Chris Davison, president and CEO of the Canola Council of Canada, said Health Canada’s guidance is “an important milestone that will unlock the next generation of innovation and growth potential in Canada’s canola industry.” It states that.
CropLife Canada also welcomed the latest guidance from the CFIA and Health Canada in a statement.
“These updates provide a clear pathway for much-needed investment in new Canadian-grown crop varieties through techniques such as gene editing to increase productivity while reducing environmental impact. It’s important to ensure farmers have the tools they need,” said the national organization representing seed and crop protection companies.
CropLife is also calling on the Canadian government to continue to advocate for regulatory collaboration with trading partners to ensure market access for future gene-edited crops. “As a science policy leader and an export-dependent country, Canada must relentlessly pursue measures to support market access.” Canadian crops are increasingly needed to combat rising global food insecurity. It will be done. ”
Read the CFIA’s new regulatory guidelines for livestock feed here.
Previous coverage:
Gene editing in plant breeding has one final regulatory hurdle to clear. It’s fodder.
Canada moves towards giving gene editing stamp of approval over conventional plant breeding
