http://www.canada.com/regina/news/story.asp?id={03E3C0D6-ECFE-47D7-8E76-76F893A53BEA}

Canada: Calvert concerned about GM wheat - 19 February 2002
                          
 Kevin O'Connor
 Regina Leader Post


 Premier Lorne Calvert has added his voice to the
 chorus of those with concerns about genetically modified wheat.

 "We need to proceed with great caution when it comes to the 
 introduction of GM wheat," Calvert said.

 However, it's not within the provincial government's jurisdiction 
 to ban the experimental crop from Saskatchewan, he said.

 The issue was raised Saturday during a conference call with
 reporters while Calvert was attending an organic food trade fair in
 Germany.

 Although GM wheat hasn't been approved for commercial use in
 Canada, it's being grown in test plots in Saskatchewan and other
 provinces.

 With genetic modification, wheat can be given new traits, such as
 herbicide resistance.

 Calvert said although federal regulators have assured the public the
 test plots are secure, he's disturbed by news reports suggesting
 that GM material could be scattered by tornadoes.

 "My view is we need to work very closely with Agriculture Canada
 and the research side to be very, very careful," he said.

 Some farm groups are concerned that if some farmers grow GM
 wheat, it could destroy the industry's export market.

 Wheat exports are worth about $1.4 billion to Saskatchewan annually.

 Asked if the province would move to block expansion of GM wheat,
 Calvert said: "It's not within our jurisdiction, it's my understanding,
 to rule on this. It falls under the federal government."

 Among those opposed to GM wheat are the province's organic food
 growers. One group, the Saskatchewan Organic Directorate, is
 asking for a court injunction against the release of GM wheat.

 Saskatchewan has the largest number of organic producers in Canada.

 Calvert said he sees great potential for expanding organic food
 trade to Germany after touring BioFach 2002 in Nuremberg last week.

 "I want to bring back the knowledge that I've gained here that
 there is a fast-growing European market that already accepts
 Saskatchewan products and values Saskatchewan products," he said.

 Some 11 Saskatchewan organic producers and organizations were
 at the trade fair, promoting everything from wild rice to boar meat.

 "It's to find out about the marketplace and potential customers,"
 said Bruce Johnson, president of Farm-Gro Organics. "It's safe to
 say there will be several transactions following from it."

 Calvert made the side-trip to the fair last week following a Team
 Canada trade mission to Russia with Prime Minister Jean Chretien
 and other provincial premiers.