Alfalfa is an essential plant for many farmers. It makes wonderful high-protein hay for cattle and other ruminants and it adds valuable nitrogen back into the soil through nitrogen-fixing nodules on the plant's roots. Monsanto has come up with a genetically modified (GM) variety of alfalfa that contains the Roundup Ready gene, meaning that the broad-spectrum herbicide Roundup can be used on the crop, killing competitors but not the crop itself. Monsanto believes that conventional farmers, particularly alfalfa seed growers, will be able to obtain higher yields than previously because Roundup so effectively eliminates plant competition.
I am a big believer in free choice. Some farmers are undoubtedly going to want to plant Monsanto's Roundup-ready alfalfa. However, when that choice threatens others' choices, it is up to government to step in and protect everyone.
Alfalfa is a crop that is widely spread by pollinators. It is virtually impossible to contain a variety to a field where it has been planted. Farmers, including organic producers, who decide not to choose non-GM varieties are under threat of having their fields and pastures contaminated by Monsanto's Roundup-ready alfalfa. This kind of contamination is already happening in the western United States, the first region to introduce Monsanto's alfalfa variety. More importantly, seed stocks could be threatened, as they already have been with non-GM grains.
Justin Trudeau's federal government can choose to prevent this kind of contamination of heirloom and traditional varieties by preventing the sale of Monsanto's alfalfa in Canada. David Dockendorff has initiated a petition to Canada's Minister of Agriculture, Lawrence MacAulay asking him to do just that. I have signed the petition and I would urge others who believe in food consumers and farmers right to choose do likewise:
I am a big believer in free choice. Some farmers are undoubtedly going to want to plant Monsanto's Roundup-ready alfalfa. However, when that choice threatens others' choices, it is up to government to step in and protect everyone.
Alfalfa is a crop that is widely spread by pollinators. It is virtually impossible to contain a variety to a field where it has been planted. Farmers, including organic producers, who decide not to choose non-GM varieties are under threat of having their fields and pastures contaminated by Monsanto's Roundup-ready alfalfa. This kind of contamination is already happening in the western United States, the first region to introduce Monsanto's alfalfa variety. More importantly, seed stocks could be threatened, as they already have been with non-GM grains.
Justin Trudeau's federal government can choose to prevent this kind of contamination of heirloom and traditional varieties by preventing the sale of Monsanto's alfalfa in Canada. David Dockendorff has initiated a petition to Canada's Minister of Agriculture, Lawrence MacAulay asking him to do just that. I have signed the petition and I would urge others who believe in food consumers and farmers right to choose do likewise:
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