A proposed genetically modified mustard crop in Canada is intensifying divisions between farmers seeking climate resilience and an export-dependent industry wary of losing premium global markets that demand non-GMO produce.

Dallas Leduc, a fourth-generation farmer in Saskatchewan, sees promise in the new genetically modified mustard hybrid being developed by BASF. Farming more than 10,000 acres in a region marked by sandy soils and persistent drought stress, Leduc said the crop could improve yields and profitability in an increasingly challenging environment.

He described the innovation as a practical tool to sustain farm incomes under harsh climatic conditions.The new crop, designed to produce oil similar to canola while tolerating herbicides, is expected to be more resilient in arid conditions where traditional canola often fails. BASF aims to secure regulatory approval in the United States as early as next year, with Canadian commercialization expected to follow within a few years.

However, the technology has drawn strong opposition from mustard growers and exporters who rely on strict non-GMO standards in key overseas markets. Trent Dewar, a Saskatchewan farmer producing specialty mustard for international buyers, warned that even minimal contamination from genetically modified crops could undermine Canada’s reputation as a reliable supplier of non-GMO mustard.

Mustard exports, valued at around $150 million annually, are small compared to Canada’s canola sector, which generates approximately $8.9 billion. Yet for producers in semi-arid regions such as Palliser’s Triangle, mustard has historically provided a stable income where other crops struggle.

Industry representatives say the risk of cross-contamination is significant because the genetically modified hybrid and traditional mustard belong to the same species, Brassica juncea. This allows pollen from one crop to fertilize the other, raising concerns about unintended mixing through wind or pollinators.

Norm Hall, chair of Sask Mustard, said the industry is lobbying federal authorities to block the introduction of the new crop, citing the potential impact on export markets. He described resistance among growers as widespread, noting that many had not anticipated such a development being considered.

France, which imports roughly half of its mustard seed from Canada, maintains strict non-GMO standards. Christophe Planes, sales and marketing director at French processor Reine de Dijon, said the company systematically tests all supplies to ensure compliance. He indicated that the presence of genetically modified traces, even at low levels, could disrupt sourcing decisions.

Contracts reviewed by Reuters show that many buyers require non-GMO certification, although specific tolerance thresholds are often determined by individual purchasers. Industry participants say this ambiguity adds to uncertainty about how markets would respond if contamination were detected.

Canada’s mustard sector remains sensitive to historical precedent. In 2009, traces of a genetically modified flax variety known as Triffid were found in European shipments, leading to a collapse in exports that have yet to fully recover. Growers and exporters say this episode underscores the risks associated with introducing genetically modified crops into supply chains reliant on strict quality standards.

Peter Gorski of Broadgrain, which markets Canadian specialty crops globally, said international buyers view contamination risks with extreme caution. He compared the potential presence of GMO material in mustard shipments to a foreign object in food products, reflecting the severity of market reactions.

BASF, for its part, maintains that safeguards can be implemented to prevent cross-contamination. Brent Collins, who heads the company’s seeds and traits division in Canada, described the hybrid as a necessary innovation that could expand canola production into new areas and meet growing global demand for vegetable oils.

The company estimates that up to two million acres could eventually be cultivated with the hybrid crop across Canada and the United States, particularly in regions where existing oilseed varieties perform poorly. Collins said BASF is working to address growers’ concerns and ensure coexistence between genetically modified and traditional crops.

Industry groups remain unconvinced. Rick Mitzel, executive director of Sask Mustard, said coexistence is not feasible given the biological characteristics of the plant. He argued that even small-scale adoption could jeopardize the integrity of non-GMO supply chains.

The debate reflects broader tensions between technological innovation and market access in global agriculture. While genetically modified crops can enhance productivity and resilience, their acceptance varies widely across regions, particularly in Europe, where regulatory frameworks and consumer preferences remain restrictive.

The stakes extend beyond Canadian producers. Kacy Gehring of Mountain States Oilseeds in Idaho said uncertainty surrounding GMO contamination could discourage farmers from growing mustard altogether, potentially affecting global supply chains and food manufacturing.

Despite the concerns, some farmers remain committed to adopting the new technology. Leduc acknowledged the risks but said economic pressures leave little choice. Operating in a region increasingly affected by drought and climate variability, he said access to more resilient crops could be critical to maintaining viability.

The divide between proponents and opponents has widened as commercialization approaches, with industry meetings reflecting growing urgency among traditional mustard stakeholders.

Calls for legal and political action have intensified, although representatives acknowledge that regulatory frameworks in Canada do not typically consider market impacts when approving new crop technologies.

It did not matter which society, religion or caste the poor belonged to. Everyone was given equally whether he was Arab or Non-Arab, Muslim or not.

Islam and Muslims are widely misunderstood in contemporary times due to constant demonization through media, movies and other means. Many progressive states in today’s globalized and capitalist society does not serve as a solution for the problems faced by individuals especially those who are less privileged.

The Islamic values of Governance via an exemplar of Umar II who ruled various parts of Arabia by his exceptional approach is a great model that can eradicate many issues including economic downfall.

The focus of this article is how the economic model under his rule was successful in eradication of poverty and how his model served as a solution for those who otherwise were underprivileged.

The Umayyads had started using their court wealth, not in the interest of its people, rather to uphold their kingship and the prestige of their family, which was contrary to the rules laid out by authentic religious scriptures and the way of the Prophet.

Umar II was however different than his predecessors. His reign was short lived yet proved to be more prosperous in the sense of internal reform.

His popular policies of treating his people with justice and at the same time enforcing discipline among officials to avoid corruption and put an end to violation of people’s rights made him successful in introducing security and opulence.

One of the main values of economic reform in Islam that was enforced by Umar II was the system of Zakah and taxation.

Zakah is a sum of money depending on the wealth owned and is paid by the Muslim rich elite of the society which was collected in the Bait al Maal (a place used to preserve the money) and then used for the needs of the poor and needy. This part of money only belonged to those who were in need and no one else could have access to it not even himself or his family.

The taxation which was also a specific amount of money collected from the other elite who did not accept Islam but compared to Zakah was lesser and served as security for those people.

His belief was that he wanted the people under his rule to be equal in terms of economy. He wanted the elite to transfer a certain amount of wealth to the poor so that they would be equivalent in terms of wealth.

It did not matter which society, religion or caste the poor belonged to. Everyone was given equally whether he was Arab or Non-Arab, Muslim or not.

Even the traveler was treated with equality and kindness and helped when needed. He built guest houses on the roads which the travelers could use freely and built water wells that travelers could use for drinking.

He also reversed the tax policies that were laid by the oppressive Hajjaj, a ruler who preceded him, who imposed high tariffs on the people who owned land. The land tax was paid by anyone regardless of their belief, and Umar II laid out tariffs for those land that were not heavy on the owners yet helped in supporting the state.

He had also opened free trade in the land and sea, yet how the wealth was dealt with greatly differed from his predecessors as well as successors. He did not want to destroy the dynasty but wished to base it on the foundations laid out by authentic religious commands.

The only property that belonged to the state and its use was from what they gained in battles that took place. His main aim was to establish equality amongst the Arabs and Non-Arab, so that each person would feel a sense of belonging in the society.

He wanted the people to have at least the basic necessities of life and be sufficient in terms of wealth. His reform in economy helped the people emerge from poverty and lead to betterment in standard of living to the extent that when the ministers would move to distribute charity, there was not a single person who needed it.

There are many other aspects of the economy that was reformed in his two-and-a-half-year rule which brought about exemplary changes in the condition of the people especially those who were under privileged in society.

Ruling parties in contemporary times have made capitalism, neo-liberalism and globalization their first and foremost priority which intends to serve only the elite of the society and sidelines those less privileged.

This exemplar of the economic model of Umar II who wanted to establish equality amongst the residents under his rule, based on the authentic Islamic values of governance can serve as a solution to the problem in today’s societies.

Noorah Jukaku is masters student in the Department of Humanities and Social Sciences in National Chiao Tung University Taiwan. She has completed Bachelors in Sharee’ah and Usool Al Deen from University of Sharjah and co-author of the book “The Blissful Union”.