November 18, 2009 (Saskatoon, SK) - Saskatchewan flax producers are encouraged to send in a representative sample of their flax seed to a seed testing lab in Saskatoon to determine whether it contains genetically-modified materials.
Quantum Biosciences Inc. is conducting a construct-specific test that can detect the presence of genetically-modified materials in flax seed. CDC Triffid is the genetically-modified flax variety that was developed at the University of Saskatchewan in the 1990s.
Earlier this week, the trade recommended that each submitted sample should represent 75 to 125 tonnes (3,000 to 5,000 bushels) of a producer’s total flax inventory. This means that if producers have more than 5,000 bushels of flax, they should send in another sample for each additional 5,000 bushels. The cost of each test will be $105.
Samples should be 1 kilogram in size and the guidelines for preparing representative samples are available from the Canadian Grain Commission. Producers who wish to have their flax tested can send or drop off their samples to Quantum Biosciences at the following address:
Quantum Biosciences Inc.
Lab 8 – 410 Downey Road
Saskatoon, SK S7N 4N1
Ph: 306-956-2082
Fax: 306-956-2066
dna@quantumbiosciences.ca
This week, Quantum Biosciences revised the form that is to accompany each sample. Please include with your sample the Producer Test Form provided here..
The Saskatchewan Flax Development Commission works to promote production and value-added processing of flax in the province alongside our partners in the flax industry and other agricultural organizations to ensure quality flax and flax products worldwide.
For more information, contact:
Linda Braun, Executive Director
Saskatchewan Flax Development Commission
Saskatoon, SK
Tel. 306-664-1901
Email: saskflax@saskflax.com
or
Heather Deobald, Manager Business Development
Quantum Biosciences
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
Tel. (306) 956-2082
Email: dna@quantumbiosciences.ca
