USDA says GMO alfalfa OK for unrestricted planting

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KANSAS CITY/WASHINGTON | Thu Jan 27, 2011 3:46pm EST

KANSAS CITY/WASHINGTON Jan 27 (Reuters) - The U.S. agriculture officials on Thursday said U.S. farmers could proceed with planting genetically altered alfalfa without the restrictions opponents say are needed to protect conventional and organic farm fields from contamination.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture said the decision was made after analysis of various economic and environmental factors, and allows GMO farmers to get their crop in the ground this spring.

Vilsack said the decision applies only to the biotech alfalfa, known as Roundup Ready, because it was engineered by Monsanto (MON.N) to withstand treatments of Monsanto's Roundup herbicide.

The department is facing similar questions about biotech sugar beets, and an announcement regarding that crop is expected next week, Vilsack said. (Reporting by Carey Gillam in Kansas City and Chuck Abbott in Washington; Editing by Neil Stempleman)

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Comments (1)
tristana wrote:
This is very sad news & an extreme sad day for organic farmers! As an organic farmer I have to say that this decision affects the core of our work & core values… Monsanto once again showed up that has the money power to do what ever wants in order to obtain more money…. alfalfa seeds are carried via pollinators, wind & insects, the seeds can travel up to miles… it is a very sad day for mother nature too & for all consumers… GMO products are not labeled…. what ever Monsanto PR will tell you, remember that they don’t know anything about the safetyness… they are V from the TV show… & we are Monsanto’s lab rodents…

Jan 27, 2011 4:40pm EST  --  Report as abuse
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