by Sara Novak

Marion Nestle said in the Atlantic this week that it seems the USDA will again approve a genetically modified crop but this time they seem to realize the threat that GMOS will have in the future if mixed with pure organic crops. This is especially true of alfalfa, the latest crop up for approval, considering that organic alfalfa is a center piece of organic animal feed.

Here’s USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack in theEnvironmental Impact Statement for Genetically Engineered Alfalfa via the Atlantic:

We have seen rapid adoption of biotechnology in agriculture, along with the rise of organic and non-genetically engineered sectors over the last several decades. While the growth in all these areas is great for agriculture, it has also led, at times, to conflict or, at best, an uneasy coexistence between the different ways of growing crops. We need to address these challenges and develop a sensible path forward for strengthening coexistence of all segments of agriculture in our country. All are vital and a part of rural America’s success. All should be able to thrive together.

And the most important comment which comes in an open letter to stakeholders:

We have an obligation to carefully consider…the potential of cross-fertilization to non-GE alfalfa from GE alfalfa—a significant concern for farmers who produce for non-GE markets at home and abroad.

Another Step in the Right GMO Direction?

This comes on the heels of a decision last month when a federal judge ordered that 258 very important acres of genetically modified sugar beets be destroyed. Currently, 95 percent of the nation’s sugar beets are grown from Monsanto’s Roundup Ready seeds. But Judge Jeffrey White ruled that the crops be destroyed because the risk of gene contamination in Oregon’s Willamette Valley was so great.

While there seems to be a growing understanding that contaminating organic crops with GMOs can affectively destroy pure crops and their heirloom seeds, Vilsack still contends that approved GMO crops are completely safe, which seems hard to believe when these monoculture crops can do such damage to soil. Round Up Ready seeds can strip the soil of vital nutrients, killing everything in its path. They cause soil erosion and spread without our knowing. Look at organic corn, it’s nearly impossible to find it today because it’s been completely tainted by modified seeds. Would we want this to happen to our heirloom tomatoes, beets, and boutique lettuce varieties?

Article link: http://planetgreen.discovery.com/food-health/usda-sees-the-danger-of-gmo-crops-tainting-pure-organics.html