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NFU rallying against GM alfalfa

Apr. 2, 2013, Guelph, ON - The National Farmers Union (NFU) is calling for people to rally outside MP offices across Ontario and in other provinces next week, to protest against genetically-modified alfalfa. They NFU is calling April 9th a 'Day of Action to Stop GM Alfalfa'.

According to the NFU website, Monsanto's genetically modified (GM) alfalfa could be registered for use in Eastern Canada this month. GM Roundup Ready alfalfa varieties have just been cleared for the last step before they hit the market – all they need now is a final registration rubber-stamp by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency. The NFU contends the Canadian Seed Trade Association and its corporate members, including Monsanto, Pioneer and Forage Genetics International, are actively trying to get support for the release of GM alfalfa.

The NFU says that because alfalfa is a perennial plant that is pollinated by bees, genetically modified alfalfa will inevitably cross-pollinate with non-GM and organic alfalfa, threatening the livelihoods of family farmers across Canada.

April 2, 2013  By Janet Kanters