The Canadian Food Inspection
Agency has approved gene editing for breeding improved gene editing for plant
breeding to develop improved crops for livestock feed.
The news was welcomed by the
Canola Council of Canada, the Canada Grains Council and Cereals Canada.
“This
is a ground-breaking day for Canadian agriculture as the (CFIA) confirms its
livestock feed guidance, marking the final piece in a series of vital policy
updates that began in 2018,” said Krista Thomas, vice-president for trade
policy and seed innovation for the Canada Grains Council.
“With this final
piece in place, Health Canada and the CFIA have now answered longstanding calls
from the seed and grain sectors for predictable, clear and consistent policies
for gene edited crops.
Krista
Zuzak, director of crop protection and production at Cereals Canada, said “Cereals
Canada views the final piece of updated Canadian policy clarifying the
regulatory pathway for gene edited plants as a positive advancement in plant
breeding innovation.”
“The
finalized CFIA guidance on livestock feed will support research and development
of new varieties that use gene editing to enhance traits such as drought, pest
and disease resistance and input use efficiency,” she said.
