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The Canadian Canola Controversy

The Role of Genetically Modified Organisms in Agriculture

By Susan E. Gass, Danielle Scriven

The Canadian Canola Controversy


 

Abstract

This case study reviews a controversial court case that took place in Canada in 2002 concerning an allegation of patent infringement and a genetically modified (GM) canola crop. The multi-national company Monsanto, which produces GM canola seeds called Roundup Ready®, sued Saskatchewan farmer Percy Schmeiser for growing the crop on his farm without a contract. The defendant maintained that the crop seed blew onto his property without his knowledge. In this case study, students learn about the history of seed development and why we use pesticides in agricultural systems as well as the benefits and potential drawbacks of pesticides to society and the environment. They are then presented with the details of the court case and assigned stakeholder roles.  Each stakeholder group considers what the outcome of the court case means for their group. The case concludes with a class discussion in which each stakeholder group shares their views. Originally designed for an introductory environmental science course, the case could also be used in an introductory biology or genetics course.

   

Date Posted

06/24/2019

Overview

Objectives

  • Examine the interaction between agriculture and genetically modified organisms and its implications for society.
  • Think critically about a controversial issue grounded in science.
  • Interpret information from various sources.
  • Analyze an issue from multiple perspectives.

Keywords

GMO; genetically modified organism; genetically modified crop; environmental impacts of agriculture; canola

  

Subject Headings

Agriculture
Biology (General)
Biotechnology
Environmental Science
Genetics / Heredity
Science (General)

EDUCATIONAL LEVEL

Undergraduate lower division

  

FORMAT

PDF

   

TOPICAL AREAS

N/A

   

LANGUAGE

English

   

TYPE/METHODS

N/A

 

 

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