Winnipeg, Manitoba
October 10, 2006In 2005,
Canadian growers planted approximately 14.5 million acres (5.8
million hectares) of genetically modified (GM) canola, corn and
soybeans. The majority of plant biotechnology in Canada enables
farmers to adopt conservation tillage - a reduction or complete
elimination of plowing the soil to eliminate weeds and prepare
fields for planting. The benefits range from soil erosion
control to a reduction in green house gas emission.
"I'm improving the structure of my soil with zero tillage. I'm
using less pesticides," says Jeff Hoiness, a canola farmer who
has enjoyed the benefits of plant biotechnology in Canada since
GM canola was first introduced in 1995. "It's better for the
environment. We have less soil erosion than we did in the past.
I mean, that's got to be good for a lot of other people than
just myself. We've increased the wildlife habitat...
"We're using less fuel per acre, so that means less green house
gas emission," continues Hoiness, comparing his production
practices in GM canola from the last decade to those he used the
decade before. "The things that I'm doing on our farm that I
feel are of benefit with the biotechnology are a benefit to all
of society."
Hoiness shares these comments, as well as his perspective on
foreign markets and the future of plant biotechnology in Canada,
in an exclusive video interview and podcast available at the
Conversations about Plant Biotechnology Web site:
www.monsanto.com/biotech-gmo/default.asp.
In addition to Hoiness' video and interviews with two of his
fellow Canadian farmers - Art Enns and Lorne Hamblin - visitors
to the site can access comments about the benefits of plant
biotechnology from farmers in eight additional countries,
including Argentina, Australia, Brazil, India, the Philippines,
South Africa, Spain and the United States.
Conversations about Plant Biotechnology is designed to give a
voice and a face to the farmers and families who grow biotech
crops and the experts who research and study the technology. The
Web site contains more than 40, two- to three-minute, extremely
candid, straightforward and compelling video segments with the
people who know the technology best. The Web site is hosted by
Monsanto Company - a
leading global provider of technology-based solutions and
agricultural products that improve farm productivity and food
quality. |