Four newly completed economics studies from the University of Saskatchewan are expected to bring valuable perspective to the issues surrounding the potential introduction of herbicide-tolerant wheat varieties to the Canadian prairies.

The studies focus on two herbicide-tolerant wheat lines: Clearfield wheat, a line developed by conventional means, and Roundup Ready wheat, a genetically modified line. Neither wheat is registered for commercial use, but there has been much discussion about the potential impact each may have on the grain industry. This discussion ranges from how herbicide-tolerant wheat may perform in the field to how markets might respond to genetically modified wheat.

"The licensing of genetically-modified crops is an important issue that has the potential to affect farmer incomes," says Dr. Hartley Furtan of the University of Saskatchewan Department of Agricultural Economics. "Our approach was to look at the three main components of the wheat system and how they would be affected. We pursued studies on agronomics, segregation and market impact, along with one that uses the findings of those three studies to examine what the bottom line would be for producers."

A component of these studies that examines on-farm impact was funded in part by a one-time grant of $33,500 from the Endowment Fund, administered by Western Grains Research Foundation. The Foundation’s Wheat and Barley Check-off Fund, which is supported directly by farmers and goes specifically to variety development, did not fund this research. In addition, Check-off funding was not allocated to the herbicide tolerant wheat breeding efforts.

"Herbicide-tolerant wheat has important implications for the western grain industry, and producers need good information to make informed decisions," says Allen Oberg, a Forestburg, Alta., producer and Chair of the Foundation. "While no study can fully address the broad issues surrounding herbicide-tolerant wheat, the University of Saskatchewan studies will help provide valuable perspective and a basis for further discussion."

The March 2002 edition of the Foundation’s newsletter, Industry Report, provides western producers with a brief overview of the findings from each study, along with links to get more information. Farmers can access the full research papers through the library system of the University of Saskatchewan or the Department of Agricultural Economics, phone (306) 966-4008.

The issues surrounding herbicide-tolerant and genetically modified wheat are the focus of increasing debate, both at home and abroad, and producers are encouraged to watch for more information in the media and from other sources, says Oberg. Western Grains Research Foundation will continue to support information on farmer-funded research and related issues. The quickest way to access all Foundation information, including the March 2002 edition of Industry Report, is by visiting the Foundation’s Web site, www.westerngrains.com. Information is also available directly from the Foundation office, phone (306) 975-0060, fax (306) 975-0316 or email, info@westerngrains.com.

Western Grains Research Foundation’s Endowment Fund has contributed over $17 million to nearly 200 crop research projects in Western Canada since its inception in 1983.