What is not used in organic farming in Canada

• No use of genetically engineered organisms because their environmental and health safety is not proven (can lead to genetic pollution of wild populations, increased pest resistance, increased pesticide use).
• No application of synthetic fertilizers because they cause water and soil pollution and do not provide a balanced nutrient profile. Their harmful salts affect important soil microorganisms.
• No use of irradiation for food preservation because its health safety is not proven.• No use of intensive feedlots for livestock because they cause stress in animals leading to disease and requiring drug treatments, and cause pollution through dumping of excessive animal waste.
• No application of synthetic pesticides (for elimination of weeds, insects, fungi that threaten crops) because this harms beneficial insects that prey on pests and leads to pest resistance, necessitating higher doses and new pesticides. Residues remain on foods; drift pollutes off farm environments.
• No application of raw manure as fertilizer because it contaminates waterways; nutrients are unavailable to plant life.

What is Genetic Engineering?
In genetic engineering technology, genes are isolated and transferred using a “gene gun” or a viral vector from one species into a foreign species, crossing over what is called the “species barrier.” An example is the transfer of an insect-resistant gene from a soil bacterium (called Bacillus thuringiensis or Bt) into corn plants to confer insect resistance. This kind of genetic transfer never occurs in nature and cannot be achieved through traditional plant breeding methods. The new gene lands in a random spot in the genome of the recipient organism, and can disrupt normal functioning of that organism in unpredictable ways. Genetically engineered corn, soy, potatoes, and canola are approved and are being sold as ingredients in many processed foods. There are many more products waiting approval for the market. (For a list of approved products see the website of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency: www.cfia-acia.agr.ca.