Protests halt release of GM alfalfa

Tuesday, August 5, 2014

The Gazette of Montreal reports that a strain of Roundup Ready alfalfa scheduled to be released in Canada this year is not coming after all. After widespread resistance from farmers and seed companies, and protests across the country, the launch will be delayed for "at least another year."

Organic farmers, in particular, are worried that the GM alfalfa will contaminate their farms. The Canadian Seed Trade Association says cross-contamination can be avoided by following "best-management practices," such as cleaning machinery, but many farmers say nothing will stop the spread.

In the United States, where GM alfalfa is already being grown, it has spread. The Gazette reports that last summer a farmer's alfalfa hay from Washington state was rejected for export because it was contaminated with GM alfalfa.

Synagri, Growmark, Quality Seeds, Pride Seeds, DuPont Pioneer, and La Co-op fédérée were all expecting to sell GM alfalfa. BF