November 27, 2009 (Saskatoon, SK) - Saskatchewan flax producers can determine whether their flaxseed contains genetically-modified materials by sending samples to a Saskatoon lab for testing.
Quantum Biosciences Inc. (QBI) administers 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.
QBI began conducting the tests on November 23 and are working hard to streamline procedures and ramp up for the volume of tests coming in. More than 1,000 samples have been received to date. In the next week, QBI will receive new equipment that will boost capacity by 4 times.
“Each producer will receive official test results by mail,” explained Heather Deobald, QBI’s Manager of Business Development. “If producers would like to know sooner, it is essential that they note their email address on the form that accompanies the sample. That way we can email as soon as we know the results.”
Samples should be 1 kilogram in size and the guidelines for preparing representative samples are available from the Canadian Grain Commission. Growers are reminded to send in a sample for each 5,000 bushels of flax inventory. The cost of each test is $105. Samples can be sent into the lab between 8:00AM and 4:30PM, Monday to Friday:
Quantum Biosciences Inc.
Lab 8 – 410 Downey Road
Saskatoon, SK S7N 4N1
Ph: 306-956-2082
Fax: 306-956-2066
dna@quantumbiosciences.ca
Grain companies have set a target date of December 1, 2009 to only accept pretested flax at their delivery locations in western Canada. The purpose of this requirement is to meet the protocol to allow flax re-entry into the European market before close of navigation. As the December 1 deadline nears, producers should check with their marketing company prior to delivery of their product.
A form must accompany producers’ samples. The Producer Test Form is 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
