March 14, 2013<\/p>\n
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE<\/strong><\/p>\n Sackville, NB \u2013 Farmers and consumers in the Maritimes and across Canada are A company called Forage Genetics International has applied Monsanto\u2019s \u201cAs an organic producer in New Brunswick, I am concerned about loss of control Alfalfa is a highly valued crop in both organic and conventional farming systems. The greatest concerns about GM alfalfa relate to the fact that it is an insect- The Canadian Seed Trade Association is attempting to develop a \u201ccoexistence\u201d -30-<\/p>\n
\nconcerned about industry plans to prepare for the release of genetically modified
\n(GM) alfalfa.<\/p>\n
\ngenetically modified Roundup Ready (herbicide resistant) technology to alfalfa.
\nGM alfalfa was deemed safe for production and consumption in Canada in 2005,
\nbut the varieties have to be registered before it is legal to sell them in Canada.
\nWith a growing season approaching, the agricultural industry fears final approval
\nof this unwanted technology could be requested any day now.<\/p>\n
\nover my land, loss of organic certification,\u201d explains Murray Bunnett of Murray
\nBunnett Family Farms. \u201cGM alfalfa will cross-pollinate with non-GM and organic
\nalfalfa, and this will threaten the very livelihoods of many New Brunswick organic
\nand conventional farms.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nHarvested as hay, alfalfa is used as high-protein feed for dairy cows, beef cattle,
\nand other livestock. It is also touted as the most important nitrogen-fixing
\nperennial, contributing to soil fertility and quality, while also naturally
\nsuppressing weeds. It is not only important to domestic markets, but is also a
\nsignificant export crop for Canada, and many of these export markets have non-
\nGM policies.<\/p>\n
\npollinated crop, meaning that pollen from GM alfalfa could easily contaminate
\norganic and non-GM alfalfa.<\/p>\n
\nplan for GM alfalfa, but this is widely viewed as an impossible goal. Given that the
\nlikelihood of contamination is so high and the economic risk so great for both
\norganic and conventional farmers, the National Farmers Union in New
\nBrunswick and the Atlantic Canadian Organic Regional Network (ACORN)
\nstrongly oppose the approval of GM alfalfa.<\/p>\n