Agriculture Canada has planted its first research plots of gene-edited wheat.

The experimental wheat is being grown in a greenhouse at the Lethbridge Research and Development Centre.

The goal is to produce spring wheat lines with greater ability to receive and use sunlight, according to an Alberta Farmer Express article.

A wheat industry leader is pleased with the development.

“I think it’s fantastic,” said Gunter Jochum, president of the Wheat Growers Association.

“It’s good for our industry and it is exactly what’s needed going forward.”

He said he has spoken to scientists who say “the sky is the limit” when it comes to the potential for gene-edited crops.

“That’s what’s exciting, and Canada needs to be right at the forefront in developing that,” said Jochum.

Ian Affleck, vice-president of plant biotechnology with CropLife Canada, said the federal government’s recent decision to treat gene-edited crops the same as conventionally bred crops paved the way for the project.

He expects many more gene-edited wheat projects will follow because the cost is significantly less than trying to commercialize a line of genetically modified wheat.

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