It shows factual points to make in any discussion on modified foods.Ottawa—The Canadian Centre for Food Integrity (CCFI) has released a series of talking points farmers and others can use to promote a more balanced discussion on genetically modified foodsThe backgrounder will help “whether you need to explain what a GMO is in a 30-second elevator speech, you're developing a marketing strategy for campaigns in 2020 or you want to feel up-to-date about GMOs yourself,” CCFI said.“We can all work to share a unified, trustworthy message and enable Canadians to make their own educated choices.”It notes that only 11 GMO crops currently are available around the world. The most common ones in Canada are corn, soybeans, canola, the Arctic apple, Aquabounty Salmon and sugar beets.CCFI suggests the key messages in any discussion on GMOs are:--genetic modification (GM) or genetic engineering (GE) is a more precise and targeted method used by scientists to create products with desirable traits. Experts modify a cell in an organism using gene technology and provide the right environment for the modified cell to grow into an adapted organism;--artificial selection is when humans alter the natural selection process. For centuries, humans have been selecting and supporting growth of organisms with desired traits whether it be dog breeds, farm animals or field crops;--modern technology like GM and GE techniques enables the food system to be more precise with pesticide and fertilizer application, improve nutritional profiles of food, increase hardiness and resilience to insects and weeds and improve shelf life;--As of 2019, there have been zero scientific studies that show GMOs can compromise health;--GMOs allow farmers to grow crops more efficiently with less tractor time, less pesticides, and less labour which help to keep grocery bills lower for Canadians;--finally, GM and GE technology aids the food system in decreasing food loss and waste, lowering greenhouse gas emissions and contributing to a more sustainable and environmentally conscious food system in Canada.CCFI said the goal in public discussions is to reduce public concerns about GMOs by pointing out “the credible scientific research that undergoes rigorous Canadian standards to ensure public safety.” Consumers are showing more interest in how their food is grown and made.“Moving forward, Canada's food system needs to come together and share the good news stories about the GM and GE technology and how its beneficial to the food system, the environment and ultimately, Canadians,” CCFI said.Labelling of GM foods is voluntary in Canada and the United States despite some calls to make it mandatory. By contrast products are labelled as non-GMO even when there are no GMO versions of the food.In an earlier report, CCFI said “consumers are becoming increasingly concerned by misleading labels on food. If we ask consumers to trust the agri-food system, then labels and disclaimers need to e transparent and not misleading.”It's important to fully explain the government process for approving new GMO products, it said. “In Canada, to have a GMO approved for commercial use, companies must submit scientific data for review and receive approval by Health Canada before they can be sold to consumers. Canada has developed a clear and stringent process for evaluating the safety of food derived through geneticmodification.”Health Canada is responsible for developing policy and setting standards related to the health and safety aspects of labelling under the Food and Drugs Regulation Act. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is responsible for applying the policies and working to enforce the regulations.“Over the past 12 years, Health Canada has reviewed the safety of GM and GE foods and has found no published scientific evidence demonstrating they are less safe than other foods.“The World Health Organization stated that no effects on human health have been shown as a result of consumption of GM foods in 2014 with continuous safety assessments being conducted daily. There have been over 4000 safety assessments conducted by 67 countries worldwide with none identifying any health concerns.”Alex Binkley is a freelance journalist and writes for domestic and international publications about agriculture, food and transportation issues. He's also the author of two science fiction novels with more in the works.