Re Sowing divisive seeds (April 15):
Barb Drury is absolutely right - she does need more information about genetically modified crops. Unfortunately, in a recent article she provided readers and residents of the Yukon with misinformation about the safety of GM crops that I’d like to address.
When it comes to health and safety, crops that have been genetically modified (GM) are subject to Canada’s strict regulatory standards which ensure Canadians have access to one of the safest food supplies in the world. Extensive safety reviews are completed by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and Health Canada to ensure all products are safe for people, animals, plants and the environment.
In fact, Health Canada has declared that GM crops are just as safe as traditional crops.
And Canada is not alone on this front.
Regulatory agencies around the world, including the World Health Organization, the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization and the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development, have all endorsed the safety of GM crops.
Contrary to what Drury believes, GM crops offer a crucial tool for many modern farmers because they deliver tremendous benefits such as increased yields and environmentally sustainable production methods that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, prevent moisture loss and conserve soil.
Canada’s plant-science industry welcomes questions about our products and looks forward to future opportunities to set the record straight about the safety of our products and our industry’s commitment to people, public health and the environment.
Lorne Hepworth, president
CropLife Canada, Ottawa