2. |
Prohibitions Regarding Transgenesis and Products Originating from Genetic Engineering (GMOs) |
Transgenesis (modification of a genome through introducing DNA fragments, genetic engineering) is incompatible with the principles of organic production. The long-term implications of introducing genetic segments modified by recent technologies into the food chain are still too little known to be acceptable or even used with restraint in organic production.
2.1 The deliberate use or negligent introduction of genetically modified organisms or their derivatives into agricultural systems or organic products is prohibited. This includes animals, seeds, propagation materials, (plants, crop seeds inoculants), agricultural inputs such as fertilizers, soil conditioners, vaccines and any substances intended to protect harvests.
| a. |
Operators shall ensure that materials and products used do not come from genetic engineering. A written guarantee from suppliers shall be provided to the certifier whenever there is variety from genetically modified produce, according to the official list available on Health Canada Website :
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/fn-an/gmf-agm/appro/index_e.html
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| b. |
As of April 1st, 2007, for reasons of prevention, all agricultural firms must specify in the production plans they submit annually for approval by the certifying body, any possible risks associated with the potential presence of GMOs. These plans must include measures to be put into place by the firm to control and overcome them, and must be updated whenever any changes occur regarding external or internal factors that might influence the organic integrity of the firm's products.
In crop production, buffer zones, windbreaks, on farm seed production, varieties at different stages of maturity and agreements targeting safety zones are acceptable ways of reducing contamination risks.
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| c. |
Whenever enterprises are carrying out split crop production within the same production unit, it is also prohibited to use genetically manipulated material in the non-organic production zone.
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2.2 In processing organic products, the use of inputs, additives, processing aids and ingredients derived from products originating from genetic engineering (GMOs) is prohibited.
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