Farmers Move to Block Modified Wheat

 CBC News | March 29, 2002

 SPALDING, SASK.-Genetically-modified wheat won't be ready to plant
 for three years, but two organic farmers in Saskatchewan already
 fear it will kill their business. They're suing the bio-tech
 company Monsanto to prevent the introduction of the wheat. They
 say other modified crops have already harmed their businesses, and
 that modified wheat will be the final straw.

 "I need to stop what's happening basically because it's affecting
 my livelihood," said Larry Hoffman of Spalding, Sask. He fears
 modified seeds from neighbouring farms will blow onto his fields
 and contaminate his crops. That's already happening with canola, he
 said.

 "Genetic engineers have grossly underestimated the sex drive of
 plants," says Ann Clark from the University of Guelph. "They cross with
 each other."

 Genetically-modified wheat will be sold only if governments
 approve it, according to Monsanto, and the product won't ready for
 three years. The company's Web site argues that biotechnology
 allows reduced use of pesticides.

 Last summer, a letter endorsed by more than 200 groups - including
 the Canadian Wheat Board and Saskatchewan Association of rural
 Municipalities - asked Ottawa to delay approval of GM wheat. They
 demanded that all economic, safety, environmental and regulatory
 concerns be addressed first. The Wheat Board said its customers
 don't want genetically-altered wheat.