GM Canola Expands In Canada

GM canola is now Canada’s most valuable crop claims a spokesperson for the Canada Grains Council (CGC).

The genetically modified crop was introduced to the country in 1995 as part of a government innovation policy and since then, the area sown to canola had increased from about 4 million hectares to almost 6 million hectares.

In contrast, the wheat area in the country declined from just under 12 million hectares to almost 8 million hectares.

Dennis Stephens, of the CGC, said: “GM canola is often Canada’s most valuable crop and has replaced wheat. Why the emphasis on innovation? Geography and climate are restrictions on industry.”

Canada’s Canola Council expected canola production to rise from 9.1 million tonnes in 2006 to 15 million tonnes in 2015. Ninety per cent of the crop was regular canola, with only 10 per cent dedicated to ‘designer’ products.