GM Alfalfa Deregulted: An Organic Farm Responds

"After conducting a thorough and transparent examination of alfalfa through a multi-alternative environmental impact statement (EIS) and several public comment opportunities, APHIS has determined that Roundup Ready alfalfa is as safe as traditionally bred alfalfa," said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack in yeserday's press release regarding the deregulation of genetically modified alfalfa for production.

And of course, there was an enormous backlash, knee-jerk reaction between consumers, advocates of sustainable, local, organic foods & food production and the USDA. The facebook page for the deregulation announcement by the USDA has over 150 (and growing) angry messages attached to it as of this morning. Forwards and sharing of the press release set off a fury of wild discussions between friends and foes alike; all of which are valuable in a controversial subject like genetically modified foods.

The concern is twofold: first, that the USDA is partnered up with biotechnology in a manner more intimate than we consumers care to admit, and secondly it is about the very real possibility of cross-contamination of GMOs to nearby organic farms through wind and insect pollination (which can reach around two miles on any given day, but even more if it's windy) and duly eradicate open-pollinated seed for the future.

Of the major biotech corporations, most of the concern is with Monsanto. The agribusiness giant is said to own 90% of the genetically modified seed marke and most of this seed is either modified to be an insecticide in its chemistry (Bt technology) or to be Round-Up Ready products. Let's be clear: Round-Up Ready seeds are grown specifically to withstand herbicide applications. And not just any herbicide, of course. Obviously, Monssanto's leading product, Round-Up. So we have Monsanto's seed, Monsanto's herbicide -- and let's not forget -- Monsanto's rBGH and Monsanto's bovine antibiotics. To not regulate biotech companies seems suspicious at best.

This well-prepared open letter written by Zweber Family Farm explains  some facets of the GMO vs. Organic debate both rationally and eloquently; while their concern for the use of genetically modified organisms is still valid and deep-rooted, they make the point that alfalfa grown for fodder is harvested well-before it goes to seed and therefore is unlikely to cross-contaminate simply because the genetic mutation only occurs in the new seed, not by organic plants simply touched by GMO pollen.

However, Zweber Farm does address the seriousness of contaminated seed, "If seed stock isn't protected the price to plant alfalfa seed could sky rocket, which would mean less planted or a huge increase in cost of production." They also mention that if this were to happen, as many organic farms have a long history of being creative in times of flux, they would simply switch fodder to another grain or legume.

Article continued at GM Alfalfa Deregulated: Our Responsibility

Photo credit: sacratomato_hr