Okanagan orchardists upset over genetically modified apples

by Staff Writer - Vernon Morning Star posted Feb 13, 2015 at 2:00 PM

Okanagan orchardists vow to fight a genetically modified apple despite U.S. approval. On Friday, the U.S. Department of Agriculture decided to deregulate Arctic apple varieties developed by Summerland’s Okanagan Speciality Fruits. When cut, the apple does not brown. “We regret that the U.S. is approving the Arctic Granny Smith and Arctic golden delicious,” said Fred Steele, B.C. Fruit Producers Association pfresident. “The apple is considered a pure, unadulterated product, similar to milk. In a 2012 national survey of consumers, 71 per cent said they agreed that there should be categories of food that should not be genetically engineered. Our members would like the apple market to remain free of GM apples.” The BCFGA, representing 520 commercial tree fruit growers in the Okanagan, has opposed the approval of GM apples in Canada due to possible market backlash that could impact all apple sales. While the U.S. government has deregulated the Arctic apple, the product is not approved in Canada at this time. “If consumers want to be perfectly assured that they are not eating a GMO apple, then avoid purchase of U.S. Granny Smith and golden delicious apples,” said Steele. “We will advise the public when the product is approved in Canada, and seek to isolate any damage that the apple will cause in the marketplace by advising consumers how to continue purchasing apples while avoiding the Arctic apple, if they so desire. We would prefer if the Canadian government would place a moratorium on the Arctic apple, until we see the result of the market experiment in the U.S.” Officials with Okanagan Speciality Fruits says the U.S. decision has been two decades in the making. “For our fellow growers, this means that Arctic trees can now be purchased and grown just like any other apple trees,” said OSF’s Neal Carter in a blog. “For consumers, it means that we will be working hard to get as many trees in the ground as possible so that you’ll be able to purchase Arctic apples in stores within the next few years.” Carter says that because it takes apple trees a number of years to produce significant amounts of fruit, it will likely be 2016 before any Arctic apples are available for small, test-markets. “Following that, we expect increasing amounts of fruit each year, including additional non-browning varieties like Arctic gala and Arctic Fuji. “The supply-chain can feel confident knowing that Arctic apples are likely the most tested apples in existence. Rigorously reviewed by multiple regulatory bodies, all evaluations reach the same conclusion – Arctic apples present no unique risks and are just as safe and healthful as any other apple.”