NATIONAL
CFIA RECEIVES SUBMISSION OF NOVEL GM SOY
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency and Health Canada have received a submission from Monsanto Canada seeking environmental safety approval for import purposes and livestock feed and food use of a soy line designated as MON 87751, which has been genetically modified for insect resistance. The submission received is in accordance with CFIA guidelines for assessment of plants with novel traits for unconfined release and of novel feeds from PNTs, as well as HC guidelines for assessment of novel foods.
PARTNERS IN INNOVATION
A group of leading Canadian farmer and agricultural organizations are joining forces to support Canadian government legislation intended to improve Plant Breeders’ Rights in Canada. Partners in Innovation, which represents farmer and ag groups across Canada, believe expanded seed variety protection for plant breeders will promote further investment in seed research and innovation. Bill C-18, the Canadian Agricultural Growth Act, has been introduced into the House of Commons and contains amendments to Canada’s Plant Breeders’ Rights Act to bring it into conformity with the 1991 convention of the International Union for the Protection of New Plant Varieties. “As farms work to match production with the growing global population, it’s increasingly important that they have the tools needed to continue to increase production,” says Keith Kuhl, Canadian Horticultural Council president. “Ensuring that plant breeders’ rights regulations are aligned with our global trading partners is imperative.
HC MANDATES NEW INSECTICIDE TREATED SEED
Health Canada has issued a new requirement for 2014 to help protect pollinators by promoting responsible use of insecticide treated seed. When using a seed flow lubricant for planting corn or soybean seed treated with neonicotinoid insecticides, such as clothianidin, thiamethoxam or imidacloprid, only Fluency Agent by Bayer CropScience is permitted to minimize the potential for abrasion that produces insecticidal seed dust. Talc and graphite are not permitted as a seed flow lubricant for corn or soybean seed treated with these insecticides. Seed flow lubricants might affect the generation of dust during planting. Do not use more than the recommended 1/8 cup of Fluency Agent per unit seed (per 80,000 kernel seed corn unit or 140,000 seed soybean unit). Carefully follow the directions provided with the Fluency Agent by Bayer CropScience.
INTERNATIONAL
CANADA TO BENEFIT FROM WTO AGREEMENT
The World Trade Organization’s Ninth Ministerial Conference held recently in Bali, Indonesia, with member countries found common ground on a new trade facilitation agreement that will benefit Canadian farmers and agricultural exporters. The TFA represents the WTO’s first multilateral trade agreement to be completed since the establishment of the WTO in 1995. “This agreement builds on our government’s continued advocacy for a fair and more efficient system of international trade based on predictable rules and sound science,” says Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz. “This agreement will help Canadian farmers and agricultural exporters maximize opportunities in international markets where we have achieved unprecedented access this year.”
In addition to the TFA, consensus was reached on specific agriculture issues. Ministers re-affirmed the call for the elimination of export subsidies and reduction in maximum repayment periods for export credits. Continued reform in this area will help level the playing field on world markets for Canada’s agricultural exporters. The agreement also carries new and stronger disciplines for the administration of tariff quotas that will create new opportunities for Canadian agricultural exporters.
