Any time genetically modified crops (GMOs), market access and multiple stakeholders are mixed together, the recipe for conflict can be high. But in a collaborative project, Canada’s forage industry came together over the last year to develop a report outlining the potential impact of Roundup Ready alfalfa (RRA) on domestic and international markets.
“Right from the start, we said we wouldn’t take a stand on the technology. What we wanted was to have a look at the impacts, and be able to provide that information to policy makers to help them make science-based decisions,” explains Doug Wray, Canadian Forage & Grassland Association Chair (CFGA) and Irricana, Alberta-area cow/calf and forage producer.
It was a test for the fledgling Association. The group was able to bring together a diverse set of opinions, sometimes passionate, to help guide policy on GMOs in the forage industry. The report doesn’t take a position on Roundup Ready alfalfa. Rather, the intent was to conduct an unbiased, fact-based assessment of the emerging issue of RRA, and to encourage dialogue related to genetically enhanced technologies within the Canadian forage industry.
The complete report, ‘Assessing the Potential Impact of Roundup Ready Alfalfa on Canada’s Forage Industry’, is available for download on the CFGA website. Key to this study was widespread input from stakeholders across Canada’s forage industry, from those concerned about potential impacts on export markets to producers anticipating a new and effective weed control system.
There are three main objectives for the project including:
• determine the potential market impact,
• promote industry dialogue on the subject, and
• disseminate as widely as possible the results of the study.
Currently, Canada and the US have given regulatory clearance to RRA for cultivation and production in the U.S. and Canada, although no varieties are currently licensed for sale in Canada. Several countries, including Japan, Korea, Mexico, Philippines, Singapore, Australia and New Zealand have cleared the technology for import.
RRA is the first of several possible genetically modified traits that could be introduced to alfalfa. Forage Genetics International, the company licensed to market the technology in North America, indicates that reduced lignin alfalfa, tolerance to drought, salt and cold stress, or improved protein utilization could be other genetically modified traits in the pipeline. All could have a significant impact on market access or producer profitability.
The report’s analysis is far-reaching as it includes a discussion of the basics of alfalfa reproduction and potential for gene flow and seed cross contamination, an overview of strategies implemented by other commodity groups in their efforts to adapt to the introduction of GE technology, and the current status of RRA in the United States.
The major benefit cited of RRA is improved weed control with less stress on the alfalfa plants due to herbicide application. A survey of U.S. growers who have grown RRA indicated a 91% satisfaction level. On the other side of the issue, several environmental and organic groups have launched a lawsuit against Monsanto, at least partly in response to the introduction of GE alfalfa.
The report also provides an overview of Canada’s forage industry, including export statistics:
• 27 million acres of improved pasture, fodder and seed production.
• Organic and seed production represent 2% of cultivated forage acres.
• $130 million in Canadian forage exports
• $100 million in Canadian forage seed exports.
The report summarizes: “it would appear that RRA and subsequent GE traits in alfalfa could have significant benefits for the Canadian forage industry. The introduction of these varieties with these traits would need to account for the concerns of the organic, seed and forage export sectors.”
Callout: “From my perspective, the input gathered and the dialogue created within our industry has been the greatest success of this project. The opportunity to clearly examine the facts and come together for an open and broad-based discussion was essential. By addressing the issue we are positioned to establish the best path forward for all stakeholders,” says Doug Wray.
Contact:
Doug Wray
Ph: 403 850-7643
Email: [email protected]
Websites:
http://www.canadianfga.ca/
http://www.foragegenetics.com/