Canadians love biotechnology????

 Discussing genetically modified organisms among the public was once a provocative way to get Canadians talking.  Not long ago, GMOs or biotechnology, was considered another major threat to public health that was inescapable and promoted fear. It now appears that Canadian’s, concern seems to have gone by the wayside.

The Canadian Government defines biotechnology as “the application of science and engineering in the direct and indirect use of living organisms or parts or products of living organisms in their natural or modified forms.”  BIOTECanada, created in 1987, is an institution that creates awareness and promotes these applications in the health sciences, in food development, in the environment and in agriculture throughout the country.  The institution’s mission says that BIOTECanada is dedicated to the sustainable commercial development of biotechnology in Canada and “to serve as the voice for industry leadership to build a sustainable environment for our community of researchers and innovators.”   BIOTECanada is industry funded.

 A recent national poll commissioned by BIOTECanada reveals that a significant number of Canadians, 9 out of 10, not only believe that biotechnology is important economically to Canada, but 81% want the government to support it as well. This is a major attitude shift from believing this technology was a public threat.

Critics may still have valid concerns and wish to question the results in light of the change in attitude of Canadians, however, the poll was conducted by the NANOS Research group, a Canadian organization with a diverse portfolio in surveying and research.  In its fourth year, the national survey was conducted in September 2008 an involved 1000 Canadians with an interesting response.

 Canadians value the contribution of biotechnology  to their health care, their food and their environment.  “Biotechnology is important in Canada and we don’t have to apologize for it” says Peter Schwab, Vice-President  of Industry Relations for BIOTECanada.  “It is an integral part of the agricultural industry and the Government.  It plays a major role in crop development by reducing tillage, changed the way some use pesticides and herbicides, has increased yields within sectors and ultimately has improved many producers bottom lines” says Schawb.  In fact the survey revealed that the majority, 80% or respondents thought that biotechnology is beneficial for agriculture in Canada. 

Peter Morton, a cash cropper, with  a 1500 acre farm in Peterborough, Ontario, is pleased to hear about BIOTECanada’s survey results.  “With so many Canadians on board with us, cash crop farmers no longer have to feel guilty for using the latest technology, in order to make a living.  We’ve gotten the message across and we’re in this together,” says Morton.

With these national poll results it appears the Canadian Public has caught up to Industry and in particularly the agricultural industry, in its ability to adapt to the use of biotechnology and see what happens.  Though biotechnology is still relatively young in its long term testing stages, the positive impact it has already had on society has made it easier for acceptance and far more ethically acceptable.  For further information about biotechnology and the recent survey results go to www.imaGENEnation.ca