GE alfalfa- a worrisome time for organic farmers

It's a worrisome time for organic farmers in Canada.  In January, the USDA de-regulated the use of genetically modified alfalfa, allowing its unrestricted planting throughout the United States.  The issue is now at the forefront for Canadian farmers as the House of Commons works towards a decision on the same issue.  To date, there are a handful of GE crops that have been approved for use in Canada including GE corn, soybeans, canola, and sugar beet.  These GE cash crops all present somewhat of a threat to the integrity of organic farms but the possible introduction of alfalfa brings a whole new set of concerns.  For one, alfalfa is a perennial commonly grown in pastures used to feed livestock, which means it is around for several years and able to produce viable seed that can contaminate organic pastures.  Here at reroot organic farm, we pasture-raise all of our livestock which means we would be susceptible to contamination from neighbouring farms choosing to grow GE alfalfa.  Secondly, alfalfa is pollinated by bees and other insects which increases the risk of contamination as bees travel from field to field collecting nectar and distributing pollen.  Although there is no research that I've found documenting the effects of GE alfalfa on honey bees, as a beekeeper this is also a major concern.  In recent years it's been challenging enough to keep our bees healthy and the unknown effects of these modified crops on the well-being of our important pollinators should be a concern to all who eat.  Finally, alfalfa is a legume which can be planted to help fix nitrogen in the soil.  Organic farmers commonly plant legumes to add fertility to their soils in lieu of the chemical fertilizers used in conventional agriculture.  If GE alfalfa is approved and the seed sources of alfalfa become contaminated with the modified gene, this will effectively remove alfalfa as a possible crop on organic farms. 

On Thursday, March 10, the House of Commons Agriculture Committee will vote on a new Liberal Party motion for a moratorium on the approval of GM alfalfa. Your actions before March 10 could make this moratorium happen.

If this issue concerns you, please take time to contact your MP in the next couple days.  Information can be found on the Canadian Biotechnology Action Network (CBAN) website http://www.cban.ca/alfalfa.