| Which crops have been approved for use in food in Canada?
Of these, the first three are by far the most widespread. GE cotton, although widespread, is used less often in foods than in cloth and linens. Wheat offers what other major crops cannot: a chance to stop it from ever becoming GE. The debate over GE wheat is extremely intense because both proponents and critics understand the significance of whether or not it is allowed to grow in Canada. Like other GE crops, once some GE wheat is present in Canada, it is likely that countries that do not import GE crops, most importantly the European Union, will not allow any imports of Canadian wheat. A farmer that does not want GE wheat suffers the same losses as those around him that plant it. The reversal of any decision to allow GE crops would take untold years, since the crops would be extremely difficult to eliminate. How common are these GE crops? In the US (1999):
Canadian statistics (limited statistics available):
Soy, corn, and canola are the most abundant, and the most reasonable to put your efforts into avoiding. They are also particularly difficult to avoid because they are present in prepared foods in ingredients such as lecithin, corn starch, and canola oil. Consider also that GE and GE-free crops are rarely separated in agricultural processes. For example, although only 24% of soybean crops are GE, a much higher percentage of products containing soy may contain GE soy because of the mixing of varieties. So what can be done? Look for soy, corn, and canola ingredients in the foods you buy. Unless it is certified organic, there is a very significant chance that there is GE crops in the product. Avoid these products, or buy organic. Going Organic Buying organic crops is the best way to be sure that you are not getting GE crops in your food. Remember that 'natural' does not mean 'organic.' And even the word 'organic' is not enough by itself. Look for a recognizable third-party organic certification symbol on the package, and if you're not sure, ask your grocer. Also see what the Saskatchewan Organic Directorate (SOD) has to say about going organic. Community-Supported Agriculture (CSA) CSAs are local farms that families or indviduals can buy shares in prior to the buying season. The share entitles the holder to a regular supply of fresh produce from the farm. The produce is usually quite varied, depending on the growing seasons of various crops. Exact details vary from one CSA to another, but the high demand for CSA shares is no accident. See our list of CSAs and Organic Farms in Edmonton and area. Grow your own A garden can be a great way to avoid some GE crops. Of course, it won't help you with soybeans, canola, and cotton...
1 Health Canada Novel Foods and Ingredients database 2 US Department of Agriculture, as stated in Cummins, R and B. Lilliston (see Reading List) 3 Statistics Canada document, Cat. no. 21-004-XIE
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