The regulation of transgenic trees in North America.

Abstract

Canada and the United States have both developed strong, science-based systems for the regulation of transgenic plants to ensure environmental protection. In both countries transgenic plants cannot be introduced into commerce unless they have been critically evaluated for environmental safety. The frame-work for the regulation of transgenic plants in Canada and the U.S. is comparable, however there are significant differences. In Canada, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency is responsible for the regulation of importation and environmental release of plants with novel traits that includes, but is not limited to, transgenic plants. In the U.S., the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service is responsible for the regulation of importation, interstate movement, and environmental release of transgenic plants. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency registers certain pesticides produced in transgenic plants prior to their distribution and sale and establishes tolerances for the pesticides in the plants. Details of the Canadian and U.S. regulatory systems are presented, including information on the key criteria utilized in environmental safety assessments, with an emphasis on some unique challenges posed by transgenic trees. To date, the U.S. has authorized the release of one transgenie tree species (papaya) and has allowed approximately 124 confined trials of transgenic trees. Canada has authorized only two transgenie tree trials thus far.