Hundreds more hectares of genetically modified crops will be grown on P.E.I. this year, a trend that could soon end any plan to make the province a GMO-free zone.

Sugar beets represent one of the fastest developing areas of GMO crop production.
(CBC)

Daniel Martens of Lyndale in eastern P.E.I. is growing sugar beets: not for people to eat, but to create ethanol to replace gasoline in vehicles. Sugar beets are one of the fastest growing areas of GMO crop production on the Island.

Last summer there were about 16 hectares of genetically modified sugar beets grown on P.E.I. This spring, Martens said farmers hope to plant 1,400 hectares of GMO sugar beets. That could double in 2009. Martens argues it is the environmentally responsible thing to do, because it will mean less pesticide sprayed on the field.

"We're looking at about three to four applications of any kind of sprays," he said.

"Normally we would be looking at about eight to 10."

P.E.I.'s Department of Agriculture also reports an increase in GMO corn: about 2,000 hectares were planted last year.

GMO-free zone all or nothing: farmers

Danny Hendricken, district director for the National Farmers Union, is disappointed at the increase in GMO crops. In 2005 Hendricken spoke before a legislative hearing in favour of making P.E.I. GMO-free. When the committee's report was completed, it only encouraged the clear labelling of GMO products.

Hendriken is hoping the new Robert Ghiz government will look at the issue again and consider making P.E.I. GMO-free before it's too late.

"You either have to go GMO or you have to go entirely away from GMO," he said.

"I think the window of opportunity is still here, but it's going to take a change of philosphy from the provincial government and it's also going to take also a change in the way farmers produce food here."

A spokesperson for Agriculture Minister Neil LeClair told CBC News the minister was busy in meetings Wednesday, but that he should have something to say on the issue Thursday.