Posted: April 15, 2010

Calling it a "shift away from science-based regulation," CropLife Canada has issued a news release stating it "decries" the second reading passage of Bill C-474.

The bill deals with new proposed regulation under the Seeds Act related to the approval of new genetically engineered crops.

"The second reading passage of Bill C-474 is bad news for farmers, consumers and Canada's agricultural exports because, if passed, the Bill would put highly subjective and non-scientific criteria into the regulations governing innovation plant biotechnologies," says the organization."

It is concerned the bill would leave Canadian crop exports vulnerable to trade challenges and also limit innovation. "Canada has a long tradition of providing strong, science-based regulations that serve to assure farmers, consumers and export markets that the food being grown here in Canada is both safe and nutritious," says Lorne Hepworth, president of CropLife Canada. "Bill C-474 does nothing to enhance that."

More information on CropLife Canada's position on Bill C-474 is available here.