Update: The deadline for comments to the USDA has been extended to March 3. Please take a moment to comment, as this information will be part of an upcoming Supreme Court case on genetically modified organisms.
The USDA is taking steps to approve Monsanto's genetically engineered alfalfa, stating that not enough consumers care about organic foods for the USDA to block the approval.
Roundup Ready Alfalfa can contaminate organic alfalfa through the natural pollination process and further decrease organic farmers' feed options. Studies have shown that genetically modified pollen can contaminate fields up to nearly two miles away. Since other feed supplies, like corn and soy, have already been contaminated by the genetically modified trait, alfalfa has become a primary food source for organically-raised animals.
Tell the USDA you DO care about the safety of your food, your health, and your environment. Open comment period on the environmental impact statement of nonregulated status for Roundup Ready alfalfa ends February 16, 2010.
LEARN MORE / ACT NOW:
- Learn more about the effects of Monsanto's Round Up (Glyphosate) in this handout and from Beyond Pesticides.
- Submit your comments about approval of nonregulated status for Roundup Ready alfalfa to the USDA at Regulations.gov
References:
- “How likely is GM crop contamination?”
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/2090511.stm - “Consequences of GM crop contamination ‘are set to worsen’”
http://www.guardian.co.uk/science/2008/feb/18/gm.contamination - Originally published on PlasticAlbatross.org
Comments
Yes, the Regulations.gov site navigation is problematic, but if you click on the link in the post above, it takes you directly to the Docket. Click on Submit Comment from there.
If you are still having trouble, there are many other places to comment. Try CREDO.