Agriculture committee  If I might add to that, I would look at the European example, I guess, as what not to do. They have historically not had a science-based regulatory process with regard to GM material. Technologically, their farmers have, I believe, fallen way behind. They're quickly trying to catch up.

Agriculture committee  I'm sorry, which Richard do you mean?

Agriculture committee  I'm sorry. I can't see everything. In response to Mr. Easter's question, I think he hinted a bit that it would be expensive. We have confidence in the system that's in place now in Canada. Adding another layer to that would add costs, and it would certainly add more time. Again, that adds risk to the commercialization of these beneficial traits in the end.

Agriculture committee  I certainly appreciate the use of the technology. It allows me to be there. Thank you. Today I'm representing the Canadian Canola Growers Association in my role as general manager. I am also a longstanding canola grower, with our farm located in southeastern Saskatchewan. I want to thank you for inviting CCGA to speak to this committee about how important science and technology, especially biotechnology, are and will continue to be to our industry.

Agriculture committee  Yes, under ideal conditions. With ideal conditions, I could pick a data point with GM canola that would probably push 60 bushels an acre right beside that same farmer's field.

Agriculture committee  I can start on that. Just in response to your comment regarding yield increases due to biotech, what biotech has done for canola is allow the plant to grow stronger so that it can reach its natural yield capacities better than it ever has before. We are seeing yields like no other.

Agriculture committee  A good yield for canola could run around 40 to 45 bushels an acre, but we've seen yields as high as 50, 55, and moving up to 60. When you look at the national average over time, with the introduction of biotech canola, the national production per acre has gone up substantially.

Agriculture committee  I don't think I disagree that we have to be careful before we commercialize these genetically modified products, and that's what we do through the Canola Council of Canada. As an industry, in the canola industry there is an assessment made. The important distinguishing factor is that it's market based, and that decision is made by industry, not by the government.

Agriculture committee  Thank you, Mr. Chairman. My name is Rick White. I am the general manager of the Canadian Canola Growers Association and a farmer from southeastern Saskatchewan. I want to thank you for inviting CCGA to speak to this committee on a bill of great concern to canola farmers. CCGA represents over 50,000 canola growers across Canada and is governed by a board of directors, who are farmers representing all provinces from Ontario west to B.C.