Biotechnology

One area that has undergone extensive research in recent years is the development of new and improved canola varieties. The development of novel-trait, herbicide-resistant varieties has been a major focus of many companies. Canada's regulatory bodies must give all novel-trait varieties available in Canada food, feed and environmental safety approvals.

The new novel-trait varieties can also reduce the use of chemical pesticides. The use of novel-trait canola varieties offers growers a means to reduce soil disturbance because herbicides are applied to the crop rather than incorporated into the soil.

In the years ahead, new novel-trait canola varieties for insect and disease resistance will be available to growers. These will help further improve their ability to provide nutritious and healthy food for consumers while maximizing their production efficiencies.

» Biotechnology Backgrounder
» Canola producers perspective, questions and answers on biotechnology
» Truths and Myth about Canola
» Agronomic and Economic Assessment of GMO Canola