To the Editor: I am commenting on an article submitted by David Anderson MP (Grasslands). He seems to heap scorn on those who would like to change regulations in developing new varieties of crops.
New varieties are expected to yield more or be better than existing ones. The chemical companies have taken over the research for new varieties because of the relationship of chemical tolerance to plants. "Roundup"(TM) is such an effective weed killer the companies want to develop tolerance to that chemical in everything. We should realize using the word "Roundup" in reference to this chemical is like using "Volvo" instead of car or "Ski-Doo" instead of snowmobile.
The chemical is "glyphosate." You will notice in magazine articles that progressive farmers look for niche markets, something consumers want. We know how consumers show they do not want RR (Roundup Ready) genetics in the foods they eat.
When RR canola was introduced, prices dropped. A little RR genetics in flax lowered the price and farmers are bearing the cost of cleaning up the mess. Chemical companies play on the interest farmers have in growing glyphosate tolerant crops. They ignore consumer wishes. The regulation changes were to include the idea that if the price of a crop will go down because consumers do not want it, why develop the new variety.
While scientists are developing new varieties, Mother Nature is introducing chemical resistance into weeds. One by one weed families are becoming resistant to glyphosate. People concerned about chemical resistance in weeds want to limit the use of RR seed to prevent a disaster for farmers in the future.
Why heap scorn on people who have a legitimate concern? Parliament is controlled by Conservatives. Remembering the part of John Stuart Mill's comment that conservatives are not too smart, is JS Mill a little harsh? The Liberals did their bit to quash the addition to regulations too. Rather, think of Parliament as being dominated by transnational corporations and that elected members of some parties seem powerless. Why?
Lorne Jackson, Riverhurst, SK.
