CFIA considers application for reduced lignin engineered alfalfa Thursday, May 23, 2013 by SUSAN MANN Monsanto Canada Inc. and Forage Genetics International are seeking Canadian Food Inspection Agency approval to commercialize their alfalfa that has been genetically engineered for reduced lignin. A notice on CFIA’s website states the companies have filed an application for the unconfined environmental release and livestock feed and food uses of their genetically engineered alfalfa. Their alfalfa line is called KK179. CFIA spokesperson Elena Koutsavakis says by email the “unconfined environmental release” means it would be released into the environment with limited or no restrictions “generally toward commercialization.” This product is different than genetically engineered Roundup Ready alfalfa, which was approved by CFIA and Health Canada for food, feed and environmental release in 2005, she says. In Canada, any genetically engineered plant product must be thoroughly assessed by Health Canada and CFIA and approved by them before it can be released into the environment or used as feed or food, she says. The approval process for genetically engineered plant products is based on internationally recognized scientific guidelines and involves several steps, including assessments of the potential impact of the product on the environment and on human and animal health. BF Huron County farmers take wind fight to tribunal Tougher federal meat inspection might help small plants
Health Canada sets rules for drone spraying Wednesday, June 25, 2025 Health Canada has approved the use of drones, also called Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS), for pesticide application under the Pest Control Products Act (PCPA). Drones are considered aircraft by Transport Canada, but Health Canada treats them differently due to their unique... Read this article online
Twelve Ontario Agri-Businesses Receive Funding Support Wednesday, June 25, 2025 Bioenterprise Canada has announced the successful recipients of the second call for proposals under the Ontario Agri-Food Research Initiative (OAFRI) Commercialization Stream. Twelve organizations across Ontario will receive support to bring innovative agri-food solutions to the... Read this article online
Early Career Research Award supports two Guelph research initiatives Tuesday, June 24, 2025 The was presented to two University of Guelph researchers at the recently held Livestock Research Innovation Corporation (LRIC) symposium. Dr. Kelsey Spence received $40,000 towards her work in on-farm biosecurity research, and Dr. Sam Workenhe was awarded $60,000 to further his... Read this article online
Rural internet speeds have improved, but compared to urban gap is wide Friday, June 20, 2025 Rural internet speeds have improved, but the gap with urban areas is still wide, says Canadian Internet Registration Authority (CIRA) - the national not-for-profit best known for managing the .CA domain. Regional differences also continue—New Brunswick shows faster speeds, while as... Read this article online
Ontario Bean Growers are having a day and you are invited Friday, June 20, 2025 The Ontario Bean Growers have announced it will be holding its annual on August 20, 2025. The day begins with research presentations at 1 pm. Details of the research presentations will be published as they become available. At 4 pm, Chris Gillard will lead attendees on a tour... Read this article online