CFIA gene editing non-novel status concerns Canadian organic growers

Canadians involved in organic food production have raised concerns regarding the potential impact of updated Plants with Novel Traits guidance from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA). Meaning they are not on the same list as genetically modified organisms that contain foreign DNA. This also means a different level of oversight.  

This update clarifies how CFIA’s product-based novelty approach extends to gene editing (for example: that edited crops are not novel if they do not include DNA from another species (foreign DNA) and do not have the capacity to negatively impact the environment). 

Certified organic seed is the required starting material for organic agriculture but, Canadian Organic Standards allow for the use of conventional seed in the time of seed shortages.  

Gene-edited varieties cannot be readily distinguished from conventional varieties, so there is a concern that organic farmers may inadvertently purchase and plant gene-edited seed. Even if it is an honest mistake, organic certification would be withdrawn for three years. 

A technical committee was struck to look at the issue, one recommendation – the Canadian Variety Transparency Database. The goal of this database is to provide a clear distinction between commercial seed varieties that have undergone gene editing from those that have not. The database should be comprehensive and clearly identify any commercial gene-edited varieties sold in Canada.