Growing Resistance: Canadian Farmers and the Politics of Genetically Modified Wheat

In 2004 Canadian farmers led an international coalition to a major victory for the anit-GM movement by defeating the introduction of Monsanto's genetically modified wheat. Canadian farmers' strong opposition to GM wheat marked a stark contrast to previous producer acceptance of other genetically modified crops. By 2005, for example, GM canola accounted for 78 percent of all canola grown nationally. So why did farmers stand up for wheat? In Growing Resistance, Emily Eaton reveals the motivating factors behind farmer opposition to GM wheat. She illustrates wheat's cultural, historical, and political significance on the Canadian prairies as well as its role in crop rotation, seed saving practices, and the economic livelihoods of prairie farmers. Through interviews with producers, industry organizations, and biochemical companies, Eaton demonstrates how the inclusion of producer interests was integral to the coalition's success in voicing concerns about environmental implications, international market opposition to GMOs, and the lack of transparency and democracy in Canadian biotech policy and regulation. Growing Resistance is a fascinating study of successful coalition building, of the need to balance local and global concerns in activist movements, and of the powerful forces vying for control of food production.

Author: Emily Eaton
Publisher: University of Manitoba Press
Published: 04/01/2013
Pages: 184
Binding Type: Paperback
Weight: 0.60lbs
Size: 8.40h x 5.40w x 0.60d
ISBN: 9780887557446

Review Citation(s):
Choice 12/01/2013

About the Author
Emily Eaton is an Assistant Professor of Geography at the University of Regina specializing in political economy and natural resource economies.