The state of genetically modified crop regulation in Canada

Figures & data

Figure 1. Adoption percentage of GM crops in Canada.^7-10

Figure 2. Month-over-month flax exports to the EU (000s tonnes).⁴⁰

Table 1. Total estimated costs associated with the Triffid event in Canada⁴⁰

Cost category		Notes	Source
Demurrage/quarantine costs	$12,000,000^a	As of September 2010	Authors’ calculations
Testing costs	$3,900,000^b	2009 to 2011	Authors’ calculations
Cost of segregation, other costs for: breeders, certified seed suppliers, producers, grain companies, AAFC and SaskFlax	$13,185,217	2009 to 2011	Dayananda 2011
Total Estimated Costs:	$29,085,217

^aThis cost estimate is calculated as follows: $30,000 per day which is equivalent to $1million per month. We conservatively estimate a total of 12 months with this level of costs.

^bBased on the number of tests conducted (26,000) as reported by the Flax Council of Canada and assuming a conservative (average) cost per test at $150, we estimate total testing costs (2009 to 2011) at almost $4 million.

Ryan CD, Smyth SJ. Economic implications of low-level presence in a zero-tolerance European import market: the case of Canadian triffid flax. AgBioForum 2012; 15:1:21-30

 Google Scholar