Biotechnology in Saskatchewan
Saskatchewan is recognized as one of the world's leading agbiotech research centres. Most of the activity is centred at Innovation Place and the University of Saskatchewan in Saskatoon, representing one of Canada's largest clusters of research organizations in ag biotech. About 30% of the Canadian agbiotech industry is located in Saskatchewan.
Saskatchewan researchers created the world's first genetically modified commercial canola variety and the first genetically engineered animal vaccine. Research and development is occurring in:
- genomics
- animal health products and animal vaccines
- food safety products
- new crop varieties and crop variety identification systems
- microbial bio-controls
- microbial bio-fertilizers and plant nutrient systems
- plant micropropagation
- biological water quality detection systems
- cosmetics and skin care products
- bio-pharmaceuticals and bio-industrial feedstocks
While our biotechnology industry is celebrated by many, many others are less than enthusiastic. See various links under Research Institutions and Publications for sources of information that take a critical look at the biotechnology industry.
While aspects of Saskatchewan's bio industry - such as the development of microbial innoculants or water quality monitoring systems - are generally accepted as positive developments by the environmental movement, genetic engineering of plants and animals is not. Major concerns include:
- unintended human health and environmental impacts of genentically modified organisms (GMOs)
- the spread of genes from GMOs into other crops and wild species
- the development of herbicide tolerance, insect resistance and disease resistance due to the use of GMOs
- the implications of GMO use on the organic agriculture industry and Canadian trade
- the increasing control of the agriculture and food industry by multinational seed and chemical companies that are developing GM crops