Haiden said that in the Canadian provinces of Alberta and Saskatchewan, genes from genetically engineered canola plants have already spread to unaltered varieties. And because European countries may ban imports of genetically engineered canola, that may shut Canada out of a major market. Organic farmers are especially concerned because plants are very efficient at spreading genetic information. Honeybees can carry canola pollen up to five miles, and under some conditions wind can blow tree pollen dozens of miles. N.Y. He charged that Bt corn, a variety genetically engineered to produce a natural insecticide, will cause irreparable harm to organic farmers.
Organic farmers use Bt because it is produced by a natural bacterium.
But if Bt corn spreads it more widely in the environment, Gilman worries that pests will build up resistance, just as they have to some chemical insecticides.