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Roundup tolerant canola



Apologies if this topic has been discussed recently.

Does anyone have any thoughts on the introduction of
transgenic canola varieties?

Several new canola varieties have been introduced which are herbicide
resistant. One of these is resistant to glyphosate (Roundup), 
another to glyphosinate (I don't remember the brand name right now).

Both these herbicides *at present* effectively kill virtually all vegetative
growth and in a competitive crop situation should be very effective. People
using these varieties may be able to replace two to four sprayings 
of other herbicides with one or two sprayings of Roundup, an improvement 
in safety and cost. It should be possible to eliminate certain
weed species completely from the crop situation, though there
will inevitably be a shift towards species and cultivars which are 
resistant. Still, the spectrum of remaining weeds should be easier to 
manage by other means, including organic techniques, than the broad
spectrum of weeds that exist now. 

As a farmer who has been unsuccessful so far in making the transition 
to organic agriculture, this seems to me to be an improvement in the
existing options, and one which will be embraced by conventional farmers
who give minimal thought to sustainability. 

I am aware of several practical, theoretical, and philosophical downsides
to the introduction of these varieties, but would like to hear what others 
think.  Is this a transitional step, or a blind alley?  Any other canola
growers out there with practical comments?