“We don’t have any evidence that GM varieties are yielding any better,” said Taarini Chopra of CBAN, “Yields of crops that have GM and non-GM varieties have all increased at a similar rate.”

CBAN’s findings are contained in a new report released today, one of six reports to examine the impacts and risks of GM foods and crops in CBAN’s GMO Inquiry 2015 project.

Canadian farmers grow GM corn, canola, soy and white sugar beet, all of which are genetically modified to be herbicide-tolerant and/or insect-resistant.

“GM crops are not putting more money into the pockets of Canadian farmers,” said Chopra. “Patented GM seed is significantly more expensive than non-GM seed and these costs are chipping away at farmers incomes.”

Although gross farm income in Canada has increased over the past two decades, realized net income (the income remaining after farm expenses are paid) has not changed significantly, because of the rise in farm expenses including seeds.

Markets for GM crops are dominated by just a few seed and agrochemical companies. Five companies control 63% of the global commercial seed market.

“The main promised benefit of simplified weed management is now being reversed by the spread of herbicide-resistant weeds. It’s creating new costs and complications for farmers,” said Chopra.

Contamination from GM crops has also come with a high price for some Canadian farmers. GM flax contamination in 2009 temporarily closed Canada’s export markets for flax and cost the flax industry almost $30-million. GM canola contamination means that most organic grain farmers in Canada have lost the ability to grow canola.

“Farmers in Canada need to be consulted before GM crops are approved, and the Canadian government should assess the economic risks and benefits of GM crops,” said Lucy Sharratt of CBAN.

The report and summary is available at www.GMOinquiry.ca/farmers