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While this might seem to be an issue that doesn't directly affect you, whether you are an urban dweller or just someone without farm animals, be assured that this MOST CERTAINLY affects you already (without you even knowing it), or will likely affect you in the future, especially if you are concerned about what you eat.

What’s the deal with “GE alfalfa?”
Well, around 80% of U.S. alfalfa is currently grown without pesticides.

But GE alfalfa (also called “Roundup Ready” alfalfa), has been engineered to resist Roundup, an herbicide produced by Monsanto, which leads to increased dependency on chemical companies, increased chemical pollution, and a loss of biodiversity. The potential impacts on the environment and our health are at great risk. Here on the New Mexico homefront, Save New Mexico Seeds is working hard to raise public awareness and implement legislation that protects farmers from lawsuits resulting from GMO contamination.

A recent article in The Atlantic, Why You Should Care About Genetically Modified Alfalfa, lays the groundwork regarding a handful of the potential impacts of GE alfalfa (sometimes called GM, for genetically modified), including less organic forage crops, fewer organic dairy farmers, higher prices for organic consumers, less investment in organic meat and fewer conventional export opportunities. Many farmers and food systems activists are outraged. Maria Rodale, Chairman and CEO of Rodale, Inc., had a letter published by The Huffington Post (We Stand in Opposition to GE Alfalfa), that was signed and supported by 25 leading organizations and activists. These types of outcries are being published, posted and heard around the nation.

Additional Press Releases and Articles:

USDA Decision On GE Alfalfa Leaves Door Open For Contamination, Rise Of Superweeds, via the Center for Food Safety

Other resources:

Cornucopia Institute: Fact Sheet: Genetically Engineered Alfalfa

Center for Food Safety: GE Food

Food & Water Watch: Action Alert

Organic Trade Association: Action Alert