Evaluating the impact of improved seeds and crop protection products on food affordability, accessibility, and safety: A Canadian perspective

Purpose

Food insecurity in Canada has intensified over the past decade, with rates reaching 22.9 % in 2022. This study evaluates the role of agricultural biotechnology, specifically genetically modified (GM) and gene-edited crops and crop protection technologies, in addressing the four core pillars of food security—availability, accessibility, utilization, and stability—within Canada's agri-food system.

Design/methodology/approach

The article synthesizes national datasets, peer-reviewed literature, and economic modeling to evaluate yield gains, input cost savings, regulatory impacts, and consumer perceptions. Special attention is given to systemic barriers such as regulatory uncertainty, public skepticism, and inadequate farm-level data infrastructure.

Findings

Biotechnological innovations, including herbicide-tolerant and insect-resistant crops, have contributed to more stable yields and lower production costs, indirectly affecting food affordability. However, their direct impact on retail prices is limited due to downstream costs. Key constraints include underinvestment in public R&D, regulatory ambiguity, and insufficient trait-specific data collection. Recent reforms have improved approval timelines for gene-edited crops, but public confidence hinges on clear policies and transparency.

Practical implications

To integrate biotechnology into Canada's food security strategy, Canada must enhance data collection, improve regulatory clarity, and invest more consistently in agri-food R&D. These steps are necessary to align scientific advances with measurable improvements in food access and sustainability. Consumer acceptance is contingent upon perceived safety and sustainability benefits, highlighting the need for effective communication and governance.

Originality/value

This article offers one of the first integrated evaluations of agri-biotech impacts on all four pillars of food security in Canada. It bridges technical assessments with socioeconomic implications, offering policy recommendations to better align innovation with measurable improvements in food system resilience.