Documents: GM wheat may have been spread by geese

OTTAWA, July 24 (UPI) -- Agriculture Canada documents said Canada geese may have spread genetically modified wheat seeds from the Central Experimental Farm with their droppings.

The documents, obtained by the Ottawa Citizen, said the geese ate the wheat at the experimental farm last summer and officials were concerned the geese may have spread the seeds outside of the farm by defecating in other locations.

The Citizen said the documents, which had many details blacked out, revealed there was an investigation into whether goose droppings spread the seeds.

The investigation determined "the dispersal of viable seed by urban and suburban populations of Canada Geese is minimal," and the seeds "would be killed by the winter frost."

Genetically modified wheat is not approved for agricultural use in Canada and is opposed by the Canadian Wheat Board.