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The Canadian Connection

2002-07-26

Photo courtesy of the Western Canadian Wheat Growers Association.

Agricultural research undertaken in Mexico could help the Canadian wheat industry. Work to examine fish genetics has implications for First Nations communities in British Columbia. A Saskatoon company could help revolutionize the chocolate industry — and the economy of Burkina Faso. Canadian and Southern researchers are joining forces and proving that research is a two-way street.

Feature articles:

Debate looms over rights to fish genetics, by Colin Campbell

While a debate over genetic engineering has been raging for years, it has foccused mainly on food crops. Not anymore.

Aquatic genetic engineering has "exploded" in the past two years and, like its land counterpart, is the subject of much dispute. Groups, organizations, and even governments are scrambling to figure out just who owns the rights to fish's genetic make-up. A few of the players involved in the fight are the Victoria-based World Fisheries Trust and B.C.’s Shuswap First Nations.

Saskatoon company could revolutionize chocolate industry, by Colin Campbell

"Melts in your mouth, not in your hand" is a claim that more chocolate manufacturers could be making if the efforts of a Saskatoon company and the country of Burkina Faso are successful.

Chocolate manufacturers are hoping a Saskatoon’s bioprocessing research organization, POS Pilot Plant’s work with shea butter could revolutionize the chocolate industry.  Replacing cocao butter with inexpensive shea butter could lower production costs. Its ability to remain solid at higher temperatures also makes shea butter attractive to chocolate makers.

International research could help protect Canada's wheat, by Colin Campbell

Canada has long been one of the world’s leading wheat producers. With annual revenues of $4 to 6 billion, wheat is important to the national economy. But plant diseases, such as tan spot, threaten this important export. For a cure, the Canadian wheat industry will increasingly have to turn to international agricultural research centres.

Links to explore...

More Canadian stories

Partnerships for Progress: Canada and the South in a Shared Enterprise

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