> Genetic Modification can take many forms.  In the canola we
> pollinate in Southern Alberta, I believe that two simple
> traditional factors are involved: selection, and
> hybridization.  There is no injection of human genes, BT
> emulation, or any such questionable activity -- AFAIK.

It seems I am in error here.

After writing this on a Saturday, I thought, the next business day, that
I'd best verify my facts with the company that produces the seed.  It
took a day or two to get through to the right person, but when I did, I
learned that, although the methods I mention are important, gene
splicing is also used.

Specifically, I am told that genes from a bacterium is used to provide
the herbicide resistance, and thus the plants we pollinate are described
as a transgenic canola.

My contact at the company was most forthcoming and offered to get me
touch with those who could provide more details of the process, but I
confess that my interest in the matter is at this time limited to making
sure that I do not mislead the list on this important detail.

I suppose I should be more interested in the topic -- and I am very glad
that there are some that are -- but I am afraid the whole matter and
it's details and possible implications are beyond my capacity to
comprehend.

At present, at least.

allen