Allan McHughen developed the genetically-modified flax seed, Triffid in the mid 90's.
Canadian farmers never grew the seed because of concerns they could lose their European markets. Sixty percent of the flax grown in Canada is exported to Europe. The Europeans don't want any genetically modified flax.
The University of Saskatchewan has said it won't try to genetically modify flax for now.
That has left Allan McHughen wondering about the future. "My work is on genetic modification on flax in particular and also some other crops.", says McHughen."If this is the policy, and I'm not sure what the policy is right now it certainly will impact the work I'm doing", he added.
The university hasn't said anything about the status of its research work on genetically modified wheat.
It is expected some seed and chemical companies will have these new varieties registered for use by 2003.
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