Breeding familiarity: Environmental risk assessment for genetically engineered crops in Canada

As of 1995, genetically engineered (GE) crops had been planted on over three million hectares in Canada. To assess the environmental impacts of these crops, the Canadian federal government employs the principles of familiarity and substantial equivalence. These principles aim to define the ‘novelty’ of GE crops relative to non-engineered varieties, and thereby function as triggers for broader risk assessment. Here, we outline the history of familiarity and substantial equivalence, and analyse their current role in Canadian regulations. We conclude that, in practice, these principles support decisions to de-regulate GE crops by promoting biotechnology as an innovative and competitive technology, while simultaneously downplaying concerns for environmental hazards. Copyright , Beech Tree Publishing.