Simplot postpones commercial introduction of Innate GMO potatoes in Canada

Simplot Plant Sciences will not commercially launch its Innate GMO potatoes in Canada this year, despite regulatory approval and interest among potato farmers to grow these new potatoes, according to a report by CBC News.

Doug Cole, director of marketing and communications, said Simplot is holding off allowing commercial growth of Innate potatoes in Canada until there's a proven market for them.

Doug Cole, director of marketing and communications:

“There is strong interest from the grower community and retailers are also interested.”

“But it's a very involved purchase decision.”

“Because we're the only branded bio-tech item in the produce aisle it's an involved decision, right, and so they don't want to take it without a lot of advisement and we certainly understand that and we'll be patient.”

“When there's a market we'll be there.”

He said there are about five acres of test plots on Prince Edward Island this year and the mentioned that Simplot Plant Sciences has also test plots in Ontario and Manitoba

Market for Innate Potatoes in the the United States is growing

Cole added that over the last three years, the acreage in the United States has grown to 6,000 acres, and the potatoes are sold in about 4,000 supermarkets across 40 states.

Cole said the company expects the company's Gen2 potato that is blight resistant will be approved by the CFIA and Health Canada by the end of this summer.

That potato will require 50 per cent less pesticides, which he thinks both farmers and consumers will be interested in.