Monday, May 6, 2024

CFIA approves gene editing


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.

The key wording is in Section 1.9 of the document, in which the CFIA states that crops developed with gene editing technology are safe for livestock..