Choose Non-GMO Seeds
The only genetically modified (GM or genetically engineered) fruit and vegetable seeds currently sold in Canada are GM sweet corn seeds.
But this could change in 2025. Bayer (formerly Monsanto) is getting ready to sell GM mustard greens (gene edited to taste less mustardy). Bayer says they want to sell the GM seeds to home gardeners and market gardeners. For more information see cban.ca/GMOsalad
Make sure you are buying non-GM Brassica juncea seeds and lettuce seeds/salad mixes.
There are many ways to make sure you are buying only non-GMO vegetable seeds.
All organic seeds are, by definition non-GMO and there are also many other local ecological seed growers that provide non-GMO seeds. Many of these local seed companies have booths at Seedy Saturday/Sunday events, farmers markets, or sell through food co-ops and seed co-ops.
If you already source your fruit and vegetables seed from a local company, write to them to confirm that they sell only non-GMO seed and send them our GM greens alert so they have information about this latest threat.
If you are searching for a local seed company to purchase from, the following information can help you find a non-GMO source:
- All certified organic seeds are also, by definition, non-GMO.
If you are looking for organic seeds, you can click here to access the Ecological Seed Finder, an index of Canadian seed companies.
Use the “Certified Organic Only” filter to find organic seeds. - Additionally, the following non-organic seed companies have confirmed to CBAN (January 2025) that they will not sell any genetically engineered (genetically modified or GM) seeds including the gene-edited salad greens seeds:
- You can also find and contact companies listed in the Ecological Seed Finder.
Ask your local seed company to confirm that their seed is non-GMO/they don’t sell GM greens seed. A good way to find out more about the seeds you buy is to buy local and connect with your seed grower. - If you are buying seeds from US companies, note that Johnny’s Selected Seeds has a non-GMO policy, and High Mowing is a certified organic company. Many US-based companies have also signed the Safe Seed Pledge. Click here to check that database. Note: This database is in the process of being updated to include Canadian companies.
For questions or to share information, email Fionna at outeach@cban.ca
Subscribe: Click here to subscribe for updates and action alerts in the No GMO Salad campaign.
Seedy Action: Are you going to a Seedy Saturday event in 2025? Help CBAN share our information on the threat of the GM greens and other GM seeds.
Download or request our information flyer to share. Contact Fionna at outeach@cban.ca
More information and action: cban.ca/GMOsalad
