| Let's help consumers and farmers - conventional and organic -- question the logic behind GMO alfalfa. First, do farmers really feel the need to use herbicides on this crop? If so, what are the alternatives? And, what are the real costs beyond the seed and chemical price?
GMO alfalfa benefits companies that sell the GMO seed and glyphosate. But what about the unintentional and yet unknown consequences of introducing yet more glyphosate into our ecosystem, such as subtle yet significant changes to soil microbiology? In a recent interview on KOPN's "Farm and Fiddle" radio program, John Ikerd, Ph.D. Agricultural Economics, made a very important statement about our lack of understanding of the highly complex nature of soil.
KOPN Radio link: Click on "Farm and Fiddle" and then scroll down to 1-5-11 to listen on line.
Because glyphosate is systemically transported through plants, a significant concern is movement of glyphosate into depths of the soil by deep-rooted alfalfa (roots can extend 10-20 feet or more) and glyphosate may eventually find its way into our groundwater and drinking water. What might the effects be on our children?
We're already seeing staggering increases in autism and allergy rates and sadly, we have yet to fully find the smoking environmental gun(s). Do we really want to add more toxins into the soup?
Please see the following statements below and share them with your networks to help us all better understand the costs, benefits and unknowns.
Whole Foods message:
URGENT! Take Action Now!
Support Organics and Non-Genetically Engineered Crops
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is about to announce its decision on deregulating genetically engineered (GE) alfalfa.
Do you believe organic and non-GE farmers have a right to grow foods without fear of contamination from genetically engineered crops? Do you want the choice to buy organic and non-GE products?
If so, please consider taking action immediately! Contact the USDA, the White House, and your Congressperson by Monday, January 24.
1. Email the USDA and call the White House (202.456.1111) and tell them you support the COEXISTENCE option of conditional deregulation.
2. Ask your Congressperson to contact House Agriculture Committee Chairman Frank Lucas to express support for USDA Secretary Vilsack's COEXISTENCE plan.
3. Share this with everyone you know and ask for their support.
The COEXISTENCE option means the USDA would place restrictions on growing genetically engineered alfalfa to limit contamination of organic and non-GE crops. Find out the details on the USDA's upcoming decision and background on the issue on our Whole Story blog. |
