| The following procedures are expected of a non-GM grower if GM is introduced. The question is why a non-GM farmer should be expected to go to such outrageous and expensive lengths to avoid GM contamination. Surely the principle of coexistence should be to ensure the GM grower contained their product, not that the non-GM grower should avoid their product.
The protocols would not even be possible in Australia as already the seed industry has claimed they will allow a 0.5% contamination in non-GM seed. It is very obvious that every effort is being made in Australia to ensure non-GM growers can not market as non-GM.
Julie Newman, Network of Concerned Farmers
----
Ontario Ministry of Agriculture Food and Rural Affairs
Author: Hugh Martin - Organic Crop Production Program Lead/OMAF
Creation Date: June 2004
Last Reviewed: June 2004
There are many market opportunities for non-GMO crops. Growers need to practice due diligence to reduce or eliminate the presence of material from genetically modified organisms (GMO's) in the final product. The amount of GMO content that is allowed will be dictated by the contract or the purchaser according to their end markets requirements. Non-GMO markets include organic production and many food grade markets.
As a grower you have two possible situations:
You are growing non-GMO crops and selling into non-GMO markets. If you do not meet the non-GMO market requirements you will lose that market premium. It will cost you profit and harm your opportunity for those markets in the future.
Your neighbour is growing non-GMO crops and your practices (from your GMO crops) may impact on their ability to market acceptable non-GMO crop products.
Here are some strategies to maximize your opportunities in the non-GMO markets.
Use GMO-free seed. Make sure that the seed you use was not inadvertently contaminated by GMO material. Certified seed has been grown and processed according to accepted standards to maintain crop purity. Keep records of seed sources. Some markets, such as organic, require a letter from the seed supplier declaring the non-GMO status of the seed.
Grow non-GMO crops in fields that are properly isolated from neighboring fields (even small fields/gardens) of GMO crops of the same species. Know the required distances for your crop. Know which varieties are GMO and which events may be problematic for your market. Staggering corn planting (and pollination) dates can help, but this is not a foolproof method of eliminating contamination.
Establish good lines of communication and work with your neighbours to negotiate field selection and to minimize future surprises. This should be done well in advance with a last minute update at planting time.
Know which neighbouring crops are GMO with the potential for contamination of your crops. Record the locations and distances to your crops. For corn and canola record the pollination dates of each field.
Make sure your equipment, (planters, combines, grain buggies, trucks, augers, and bins) is clean when handling seed and grain. If possible, do not use the same equipment for GMO and non-GMO crops. Clean all equipment thoroughly, especially custom equipment. Record procedures used to clean and check equipment.
Do not contaminate grain with dust or other crop materials from GMO crops when handling, trucking or processing.
Test your crop for the presence of GMO and keep these records. Keep a sample of the product at time of sale in case future testing is required.
Know what your buyers want - before you plant.
Keep complete and accurate records to establish an audit trail, in case they are required in the future.
Adapted from "10 Strategies to Minimize Risks of GMO Contamination" by Jim Riddle, Organic Independents, Winona, MN
Related Links:
10 Strategies to Minimize Risks of GMO Contamination
10 Strategies to Minimize Risks of GMO Contamination
by James A. Riddle
Organic Independents, Winona, MN
1. Know your seeds – Prior to planting, verify that non-GMO seeds will be used. Obtain statements from
seed companies concerning the non-GMO status of the varieties to be planted. Have seeds tested for all
applicable GMO “events”. Retain copies of test results and letters from seed suppliers.
2. Know your farm – Know your fields and determine which have the lowest risk of GMO contamination.
Select isolated fields for wind and/or insect pollinated crops (corn, canola). Know the prevailing wind
direction. Establish physical buffers, such as windbreaks and hedgerows.
3. Know your neighbors – Establish good lines of communication with neighbors, especially those who
directly adjoin organic fields. Notify them that you are an organic farmer, and where your organic fields are
located. Get to know farmers who farm adjoining fields, even if they rent the land. Post “Organic Farm” signs
along field margins, where needed.
4. Know your neighbors’ crops – Gather information from neighbors, seed dealers, and farm input suppliers
on the types of crops being grown in the vicinity. Know which GMO events are being planted. If neighbors
are growing Bt crops, ask them to plant their “20% non-Bt refuges” in areas that adjoin organic fields, to
provide some buffer protection. If possible, delay your planting dates so that your organic crops do not
pollinate at the same time as GMO crops.
5. Know your equipment – Know what your equipment is used for. This includes rented and borrowed
equipment and equipment used by custom operators. Know how to clean all pieces of equipment, including
planters, combines, wagons, trucks, etc. Clean equipment prior to use in organic fields, and keep records to
document your equipment cleaning activities.
6. Know your harvest – Submit samples prior to harvest for GMO testing. If contamination is likely, collect
samples along a grid pattern, going from areas with the highest risk to areas with low risk. Submit the samples
separately, in case part, but not all, of the field is contaminated. Make sure samples are tested for all
applicable GMO events. Keep copies of test results.
7. Know your crop storage – Carefully inspect storage units prior to use. Dust from GMO crops can
contaminate organic crops. Thoroughly clean augers, bins, grain dryers, rotary screen cleaners, etc., especially
if they might have previously been used for GMO crops.
8. Know your truckers – Carefully inspect and clean trucks and trailers prior to loading with organic grain.
Make sure that transport units, including overseas shipping containers, are free of grain, dust, and other
foreign material. Keep records to document, including clean transportation affidavits and bills of lading.
9. Know your records – Document your efforts to minimize GMO contamination. With good records, you
will have a better chance of limiting losses, identifying causes of problems, and determining liability. Valid
records of organic yields and sales may help establish claims for losses, should contamination occur.
10. Know your buyers – Know the contract specifications under which the organic crop is being grown.
Know your buyer’s sampling and testing protocols. Know the market-driven GMO rejection levels
(tolerances) for the crops grown. Communicate with buyers and organic certifying agents concerning GMO
contamination issues. |
