Food and Agriculture

The issues surrounding genetically modified (GM) food—food produced from plants and animals whose natural gene composition has been altered by science—are complex. The United Church calls for caution in making any decisions that could have unknown consequences, and for all choices to be grounded in responsibility, respect for all of God's creation, and social justice.

United Church Policies and Reports

The United Church of Canada has created several policies and reports on genetically modified (GM) food issues, life patents, and the right to save seeds. A church-wide study, regional consultations and workshops, and task group work in 2001–2005 produced the following documents.

• Genetically Modified Food—General Principles
  This statement was approved by the United Church’s 38th General Council in 2003: the four key principles focus on precautious regulation, responsibility, the common good, and respect for life. They are explored in more detail in the accompanying report [PDF: 17 pp/81 KB].
• The Regulation and Labelling of Genetically Modified (GM) Foods
  This 2005 policy calls for strict testing, regulating, controlling, and labelling of genetically modified foods.
• Social Justice and Protecting Earth's Genetic Heritage and the Traditional Rights of Farmers
  This 2005 policy calls for prohibition of gene patenting and support the rights of farmers to save seeds and breed livestock.
• Making Wise Choices: A Report on Genetically Modified Foods [PDF: 38 pp/567 KB]
  This report provides an in-depth look at the theology and ethics of the 2005 policies.

Background, Resources, and Links

• Genetically Modified Food: A United Church of Canada Study Guide [PDF: 61 pp/1 MB]
  This three-session study guide from 2002 explores issues related to genetically modified food, and was used to gather congregational feedback at that time.
• Canadian Institute for Environmental Law and Policy
  Background material on issues related to agricultural biotechnology and genetically modified foods.
• Royal Society of Canada Expert Panel on the Future of Food Biotechnology
  Includes their final report "Elements of Precaution: Recommendations for the Regulation of Food Biotechnology in Canada."
• Society, Religion and Technology Project
  A project of the Church of Scotland examining biotechnology and other issues from a faith perspective.
• Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) Biotechnology Pages
  Information on the current regulatory framework governing genetically modified foods.
• Canadians Skeptical of Government's Ability to Regulate GM Animals
  A National Post article (October 2011) describing rising concerns about genetically modified food in Canada.

For more information, contact:

• Gary Kenny
  Program Coordinator, Emergency Response and International Development
  The United Church of Canada
  Tel: 416-231-7680 or 1-800-268-3781 ext. 4051
  E-mail: Gary Kenny