Mixed feelings in Ontario about whether genetically engineered alfalfa should be allowed in this province.
This after a U-S court decision apparently cleared the way for the marketing and planting of the Roundup Ready alfalfa south of the border.
No decision has been made in Canada dealing with the crop.
The Manager of the Ontario Forage Council — Grey County’s Ray Robertson — says the council has yet to take a stand on whether the GM alfalfa should be introduced in this province.
He says some producers would welcome its use as it could possibly increase the yield of alfalfa crops, but other are strongly opposed to its use.
Robertson says the Council is basically outlining the pro’s and con’s of the plant, and then let the producers make up their own mind.
He says there is one potential serious downside of introducing genetically modified hay to Ontario.
Robertson says Canada is the worlds third largest exporter of forages and many countries say they would not accept any genetically modified products.
Meanwhile, a bill before the Federal Agriculture Committee that would make it difficult for Roundup Ready alfalfas developers to obtain variety registration in Canada wont be addressed until the fall.
