Michael D' Mehta, Ph'D'

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The New Wonder Bread? GM Wheat, Science-Based
Regulation, and Social Considerations
Michael D. Mehta, Ph.D. Associate
Professor Department of Sociology University of
Saskatchewan Email michael.mehta_at_usask.ca Website
www.policynut.com
Presented 1 October 2003 at the QA Panel on GM
Wheat, Saskatoon.
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Considerations

• A whole suite of Roundup Ready (and other
  herbicide-tolerant) products are in the wings
  pending RR wheat approval (e.g., Monsantos RR
  lettuce cultivar Raider).
• Wheat is Canadas largest export crop. Since
  several countries have said that they wont
  accept GM wheat, Canadian farmers will lose large
  markets (there are competitors). Segregation and
  separate handling/shipping systems will not work.
  The biotech industry has already made convincing
  arguments that such systems are too expensive.
  Why the change of tone now with RR wheat?
• Social impacts on farming communities include
  threats to social cohesion culture of
  surveillance (TUAs and snitching to prevent
  free-rider problem), generates conflict between
  farmers, advantages large-scale farmers thus
  leading to increased rural migration.

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• Not possible for the public to avoid GM food
  (ethical, religious, other concerns) since
  labelling is not mandatory. GM wheat will be used
  in thousands of products.
• Private benefit public risk No benefit to the
  consuming public.
• How can we trust the federal government when they
  regulate (CFIA and HC) novel products, and are
  involved simultaneously in the development of
  them (Ag Canada). Both CFIA and AG Canada report
  to the Minister of Ag clear conflict of
  interest.
• GM wheat will further destroy the organic market
  this has already happened with canola.
• Wheat is a symbolic food like milk. Some things
  should not be messed with!
• No need for RR wheat. More than enough wheat
  already produced. Surplus wheat just lowers the
  price of the commodity and squeezes farmers more.
  Also, there are approx 17,000 wheat varieties
  already available this should be enough variety
  to provide solutions to the challenges posed by
  wheat production.