Tell Sec. of Agriculture Vilsack to Adopt a Moratorium on the Planting of GE Alfalfa. USDA's Environmental Impact Statement Does Not Justify Approval

Take action—sign the petition: https://secure3.convio.net/cfs/site/Advocacy?cmd=display&page=UserAction

In a precedent-setting final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) on the planting of Monsanto's genetically engineered (GE) alfalfa, the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) acknowledges for the first time that GE contamination of organic and conventionally grown crops presents a huge problem in the U.S.  Yet, the document falls woefully short of proving that GE alfalfa is safe for the environment or that it will afford all farmers their fair share of the US agricultural economy.  In fact, the EIS sorely lacks the type of rigorous scientific data and analysis that the public expects from the Agency to justify going forward with any type of deregulation of GE alfalfa.

That is why we are calling on our supporters to urge USDA to adopt a moratorium on the planting of GE alfalfa.

In the EIS USDA proposes three options for planting RR alfalfa:
1.  Do not deregulate GE alfalfa and prohibit commercial planting
2.  Fully deregulate and allow planting everywhere without restrictions
3.  Deregulate with geographic restrictions and isolation distances, among other measures

While acknowledging contamination by GE crop varieties as a serious issue worthy of special attention by the Agency is an important, long overdue, first step, many of the measures it proposes in option #3 are not supported by sound science. Sections of the EIS addressing gene flow, herbicide use, glyphosate-resistant weeds and other issues are critically flawed due to reliance on defective studies, obsolete data, and flawed assumptions, among other deficiencies. Importantly, the EIS relies heavily on ideal world "best management practices," yet there is no indication from farmers that these measures will actually be effectively implemented to prevent GMO contamination in the real world.  In fact, multiple alfalfa contamination episodes have occurred over the past few years under conditions similar to those proposed by the EIS to prevent contamination. 

As we all know, once released into the environment GE crops, pollen or seeds cannot be recalled.  This presents a serious problem for organic and conventional farmers whose livelihood and reputation depends upon the ability to grow non-GE crops. It also raises important concerns for consumers who want to eat foods grown without using GE technology. CFS believes that the only option that will protect organic and conventional alfalfa growers and dairies that rely upon non-GE alfalfa hay to feed its livestock is for the USDA to deny any approval of GE alfalfa and to establish a moratorium.

Tell U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Vilsack that the science doesn't support the agency's proposed measures to prevent GMO contamination.  The only way to fully protect farmers, consumers and the environment is to deny approval of GE alfalfa and adopt a moratorium.

Take action—sign the petition: https://secure3.convio.net/cfs/site/Advocacy?cmd=display&page=UserAction

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