Genetically Modified Canola Plantings Reach 90 Percent...( Farmer Fred ...)

Farmer Fred Meister Sees Significant Environmental Benefits on His Farm

St. Louis, MO (PRWEB) September 15, 2008 -- Canadian farmers first planted genetically modified (GM) herbicide-tolerant canola crops in the mid-1990s. Today, nearly 90 percent of Canadian canola farmers are planting 90 percent of the canola hectares nationwide to GM canola.

In a new online video released today, Canadian farmer Fred Meister discusses his experience growing genetically modified canola crops, which he personally has adopted on 100 percent of his canola hectares. "We took some of the first contracts that were out there," says Meister, a second-generation family farmer who also grows field peas, wheat and barley. "We now grow 100 percent herbicide-tolerant crops that are GM crops."

In canola, as in most crops, there are some weeds that are difficult for farmers to control once the crop starts growing because herbicides can injure the crop as well as the weeds. Genetically modified herbicide-tolerant canola plants have been modified to tolerate specific herbicides, making weed control easier and better.

"The benefits of using GM crops, for me, is the herbicide tolerance," continues Meister. "You use less herbicide, as far as that goes. Also, the tillage of the ground."

Growers use tillage to control weeds and prepare the soil for planting. Excessive tillage can negatively impact the soil and increase soil erosion. "Without them, you have to disturb the soil and that can lead to erosion and wind and water erosion," says Meister about herbicide-tolerant canola. "So, environmentally, we feel that it is a big help."

Canola is an oil-seed crop that has been grown in North America for more than 30 years, primarily for food use. The pods on canola plants contain seeds that are pressed to extract oil, whi
'/>"/>