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Canada Confirms Safety of Glyphosate

Calgary, AB  - The Western Canadian Wheat Growers are very pleased and proud that Health Canada has completed a thorough scientific review of glyphosate and stands by their previous decision that glyphosate is approved for continued use in Canada, dispelling the objections of critics.

“Glyphosate is a crucial input for our crops. Used correctly, it reduces weeds, increases yield, assists soil health, reduces erosion and ultimately lowers our fuel costs through fewer passes over the field, making our farms more environmentally friendly”, stated Jim Wickett, Chair.

The Health Canada release stated that, “After a thorough scientific review, we have concluded that the concerns raised by the objectors could not be scientifically supported when considering the entire body of relevant data. The objections raised did not create doubt or concern regarding the scientific basis for the 2017 re-evaluation decision for glyphosate. Therefore, the Department’s final decision will stand.”

“The defense of many modern agriculture practices, like the use of crop protection products, has been exhausting these past few years and its refreshing to see science win this battle! Canadian farmers should celebrate this unequivocal support for glyphosate. The strong language used in the Health Canada statement is clear and it has certainly renewed my faith in our regulatory system,” stated Cherilyn Nagel, Director.

Source : Western Canadian Wheat Growers

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Finding a Balance of Innovation and Regulation - Dr. Peter Facchini

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Regulations help markets and industry exist on level playing fields, keeping consumers safe and innovation from going too far. However, incredibly strict regulations can stunt innovation and cause entire industries to wither away. Dr. Peter James Facchini brings his perspective on how existing regulations have slowed the advancement of medical developments within Canada. Given the international concern of opium poppy’s illicit potential, Health Canada must abide by this global policy. But with modern technology pushing the development of many pharmaceuticals to being grown via fermentation, is it time to reconsider the rules?

Dr. Peter James Facchini leads research into the metabolic biochemistry in opium poppy at the University of Calgary. For more than 30 years, his work has contributed to the increased availability of benzylisoquinoline alkaloid biosynthetic genes to assist in the creation of morphine for pharmaceutical use. Dr. Facchini completed his B.Sc. and Ph.D. in Biological Sciences at the University of Toronto before completing Postdoctoral Fellowships in Biochemistry at the University of Kentucky in 1992 & Université de Montréal in 1995.