Farmers say no to GMO
Despite the recent approval by the FDA for the AquAdvantage salmon, fish farmers in Canada are not interested in producing it.
In light of the news that the US FDA has approved the transgenic salmon, AquAdvantage salmon, for human consumption, the largest fish farming companies in Canada maintain that they are not interested in farming these fish.
Cermaq said in a statement: “Cermaq Canada does not grow any fish that are transgenic (containing genes from another species). Cermaq Canada does not support the commercial production of transgenic fish for human consumption.”
“Cermaq Canada's current fish breeding practices enable the production of safe, quality products that are in high demand from both domestic and international markets. Cermaq as a global group, which includes Cermaq Canada, does not believe there is a need, nor a market acceptance, for transgenic fish and hence will not start production of such salmon.”
Marine Harvest Canada has a similar position, which is available on the Canadian Aquaculture Industry Alliance’s website:
“On behalf of Canada’s aquaculture industry, which includes salmon farmers on both coasts, the Canadian Aquaculture Industry Alliance would like to state its position on the matter…The Canadian aquaculture industry does not support the commercial production of transgenic fish for human consumption.
“Our position is consistent with that of the International Salmon Farmer’s Association and will not change until the transgenic fish has been declared safe by all relevant regulatory bodies AND until the market demands it”.
