Greens Warn against GMO Alfalfa

OTTAWA -- Canadian organic alfalfa farmers are wary of what a recent US decision to approve unrestricted commercial cultivation of genetically modified (GMO) alfalfa will mean for this country.  “GMO alfalfa seed can’t yet be sold in Canada. The worry is this US decision will speed up the process in Canada, which poses real danger to our supply,” said Kate Storey, Kate Storey, Green Party Agriculture Critic.

Last week, in a highly criticized move, the U.S. Department of Agriculture decided to allow unlimited commercial planting of Monsanto’s genetically-engineered Roundup Ready alfalfa.  “It is vital that Canada not follow the US in allowing GMO products to be planted freely.  There are huge contamination concerns, particularly as GMO pollen can then be spread by wind and other pollinators.  The biotech companies who sell GMO seed are so afraid of the peer-reviewed scientific process that they have forbidden any independent testing of their seeds. They hide their own tests behind a veil of secrecy which is totally unacceptable,” said Kate Storey, Green Party Agriculture Critic.

The Green Party is advocating a ban on all new GMO seed varieties until the biotech companies allow independent health testing and until more research is conducted on the economic impacts.

“The government has to step up to the plate and support our farmers by investing in research to provide farmers with high-yielding non-GMO seed.  Organic farmers in particular must be protected from the contamination which is sure to follow any use of GMO alfalfa,” said Green Leader Elizabeth May.

Genetically modified alfalfa contains a gene that makes the plant resistant to the herbicide Roundup, allowing farmers to spray the weed-killing chemical without killing the crop.

The Center for Food Safety plans to contest the US Department of Agriculture decision in court, citing serious concerns over contamination of non-GMO crops leading to millions in financial losses, the triggering of huge increases in the use of Roundup herbicide on alfalfa, and the failure to conduct proper scientific studies on the interaction of these altered crops with their ecosystem.

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Contact Information:
Debra Eindiguer
Press Secretary
Green Party of Canada
c: 613.240.8921
media@greenparty.ca