Genetically modified pigs upon approval will enter Canadian food supply.  These pigs were modified to produce less 30-65% less phosphorus in their excrement.  While, I agree that pig waste is a major environmental problem, there are less drastic ways of dealing with the problem. 

I would have suggested less consumption of pigs by Canadian citizens to reduce the environmental impacts of pig farming.  Another option is to regulate waste management at these farms, such as imposing hazardous waste restrictions on the manure.  Finally, using biomass energy to convert manure to energy, thus eliminating the leaching of phosphorus from the pig waste  into streams and reducing emissions of ammonia.   

All genetically modified (GM) crops available on the international market today have been designed using one of three basic traits: resistance to insect damage; resistance to viral infections; and tolerance towards certain herbicides. All the genes used to modify crops are derived from microorganisms.  GM food was first put on the market in the early 1990s.

Steven Liss, Associate Vice-President for research at the University of Guelph told that an application had been sent to the U. S. Food and Drug Administration and added that the University of Guelph will continue to breed the animals under strict confinement and control measures.

While confinment and control measures are prudent steps in preventing the release of genetically modified genes into the wild, nothing is perfectally secure.

The use of Enviropigs, genetically modified pigs, will be announced by the Canadian Government.

EnvironmentCanada will announce approval of the strain known as Enviropigs, after being approved by Health Canada, before the pigs enter the food market.

More information about the pros and cons of genetically modified food can be found at the bottom of this article. 

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