Genetically modified fruit debated

Friday, 22 June 2012 02:00  SCOTT TRUDEAU Penticton Herald

A move to certify a genetically engineered (GE) apple has resulted in a motion by the Regional District Okanagan-Similkameen to forward a letter to the Union of B.C. Municipalities. Allan Patton, rural director for area C, at the request of the B.C. Fruit Growers Association has asked to look into the establishment of a genetically engineered free zone for tree fruit products for respective regional districts. Okanagan Specialty Fruits has developed a non-browning apple and is applying for certification both in Canada and the United States. The company has developed a process which blocks the apple gene that causes apples to turn brown. The motion stems from concerns that a neighbouring orchard can be contaminated when a pollinating insect such as a honeybee transports pollen from one orchard to another. If a bee were to transfer pollen to an organic tree from one that is genetically modified any resulting contamination means an organic farmer would be de-certified which would wipe out their business. A commercial fruit grower such as Patton would also be banned from selling to their local packing house if any of the fruit was contaminated in the same manner. RDOS directors have been debating how to approach the issue at previous meetings. The motion asks for the UBCM to call on the provincial government to legislate the prohibition of importing, exporting and the domestic production of fruit and plant material containing genetically engineered DNA and to declare through legislation that B.C. is a GE-free province in respect to all tree fruit products. The motion also asks the UBCM to forward the motion to the Federation of Canadian Municipalities for similar consideration for legislation by the federal government to establish Canada as a GE-free country with respect to tree fruit products. "This motion is still strongly worded," said Patton at Thursday's RDOS meeting. "It gives us the opportunity to say to the UBCM for the province to actually deal with this issue." Patton believes both levels of government should consider any negative consequences around the production of GE fruit, stating at a previous meeting an estimated 90 per cent of all fruit growers would be affected should contamination occur. "How do I prevent my farm from being contaminated by other people with GE? Really this is the only way," he said. Tom Siddon, RDOS director for Area D, said although he'd like to see data to support the effects of cross-pollination contamination he's willing to support Patton's motion. The motion passed unanimously.