Plants > Biotechnology / PNTs  

Genetic Use Restriction Technologies (GURTs)

GURTs are a form of genetic engineering technology which theoretically provide the means to turn on or off genes, for example genes that control fertility and formation of seed. Therefore, this technology could prevent seeds from germinating after harvest. However, not all GURTs prevent germination. Other examples include the ability of a crop plant to turn on a pesticidal characteristic when under attack by a pest insect, rather than producing the toxin at all times. Canada’s view is that there should be recognition of the potential benefits of GURTs as a biosafety tool which could mitigate the dissemination of novel traits in the environment.

As with all plants with novel traits, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency would only consider approving a new GURTs variety after conducting a stringent scientific assessment of the environmental and livestock health impacts.

It is important to note that no applications have come forward in Canada for the environmental release of GURT-type plants. This technology is currently still at the research stage in laboratories - there have been no field trials or commercial applications to date in Canada. The Government of Canada is not aware, at this time, of any field trials or commercial activities anywhere in the world.

Canada recognizes that, as with any new technology, a period of scientific study and evaluation is needed prior to adoption. In this regard, Canada supports the application of effective science-based regulatory oversight, as well as information and awareness programs, to enable farmers to choose agricultural practices and technologies that will promote sustainable agricultural production systems.

In 2000, the United Nations’ Convention on Biologicial Diversity (CBD) recommended that "in the current absence of reliable data on genetic use restriction technologies, without which there is an inadequate basis on which to assess their potential risks, and in accordance with the precautionary approach, products incorporating such technologies should not be approved by Parties for field testing until appropriate scientific data can justify such testing, and for commercial use until appropriate, authorized and strictly controlled scientific assessments with regard to, inter alia, their ecological and socio-economic impacts and any adverse effects for biological diversity, food security and human health have been carried out in a transparent manner and the conditions for their safe and beneficial use validated". Canada supported wholeheartedly this recommendation and still upholds it. However, this is a recommendation and not an outright ban or moratorium. This approach is consistent with the way Canada approaches all applications of biotechnology in the environment - a cautious and responsible approach based on case-by-case evaluations of each new technology.

If a new biotechnology application is found to pose a significant risk to the environment or human health, then it is not allowed to proceed in Canada.

In February 2003, an Ad Hoc Technical Expert Group meeting, under the umbrella of the United Nations Convention on Biodiversity (CBD), was held on the potential impacts on smallholder farmers, indigenous and local communities and farmers’ rights. Canada participated in this meeting and was pleased with the discussion that took place there. However, the report prepared by the co-chairs of this expert group meeting did not accurately represent the discussion or the consensus view of the experts who participated at the meeting. In addition, the report contained scientific inaccuracies. Due to the above flaws, Canada argued against accepting the report of the co-chairs of the Ad Hoc Technical Expert Group while in Bangkok, Thailand at the meeting of a subsidiary body of the CBD, which met from February 7-11, 2005.

The report was not accepted. The subsidiary body recommended to further encourage research on the impact of this technology and the sharing of results of related studies, reinforcing the original CBD recommendation made in 2000 (see above).

Overall, the Government of Canada recognizes that, as with any new technology, GURTs raise issues relating to environmental safety and human health, and possibly socio-economic issues. Any research or adoption of any example of this technology must proceed with caution, to enable the full evaluation of any risks and benefits on a case-by-case basis.