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China approves seed firms for GMO corn and soybeans

The world's biggest buyer of soybeans and corn wants to reduce its reliance on imports

China has approved a first batch of seed companies to breed and sell genetically modified corn and soybean seeds, paving the way for commercial planting of GMO grains in a move that could cut its reliance on imports from the U.S. and Brazil.

Everett Boots loads a seeding tray of a durum variety while Dayle Meyers drives the tractor at the University of Saskatchewan test plots in Saskatoon in 2020.

Where has all the seed money gone?

Funding for new varieties has slowed to a trickle in Canada, particularly for cereal crops

Glacier FarmMedia – In 2017, people in Canada’s seed industry felt hopeful. Private money was flowing into wheat and pulse crops and investment in variety development was expected to increase […] Read more




(Dave Bedard photo)

CropLife not driving CFIA policy, agency says

NFU calls for CFIA head's ouster over 'indication of improper collaboration'

The National Farmers Union and a clutch of other organizations have asked Canada’s federal ag minister to replace the president of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, citing questions about the […] Read more