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Pulling back the curtains on wage-theft enforcement in MN; Trump's latest attack is on RFK, Jr; NM LGBTQ+ equality group endorses 2024 'Rock Star' candidates; Michigan's youth justice reforms: Expanded diversion, no fees.

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Could Alfalfa Decision Spur “Super Weeds”?

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Friday, February 11, 2011   

COLUMBUS, Ohio - Organic farmers and organizations in Ohio are voicing concerns about the recent deregulation of genetically modified alfalfa. Often referred to as "Round-Up ready," these genetically modified (G-M) crops enable farmers to use herbicides while crops are in the ground.

Carol Goland, executive director of the Ohio Ecological Food and Farm Association, says the problem is that G-M alfalfa can drift and contaminate organic alfalfa that is used in organic dairy and grass-fed beef operations. To make matters worse, she says, the use and overuse of Round-Up has lead to the emergence of what are called "super weeds."

"The analogy here is with is the overuse of antibiotics leading to the emergence of antibiotic-resistant diseases. We see the same thing with herbicides and the weeds."

Alfalfa is the nation's fourth-largest crop, covering 20 million acres. In Ohio, many organic dairy farmers rely on alfalfa as part of their organic feed program. Additionally, alfalfa is often used in organic crop rotation, Goland says. Initially, the USDA proposed planting guidelines for genetically modified alfalfa, but then reversed its position.

Goland says contamination from use of genetically modified seed can do a lot of economic harm to farmers who are responding to the rising consumer demand for organic products.

"The organic standards require that livestock feed for animals be 100 percent organic. So, that potential for contamination puts at risk the organic status of crops, animals and farms."

She adds that some farmers try to avoid contamination from neighboring farms that use genetically modified seed by planting later in the season, or using production land as a buffer, which she says can also hurt their bottom line.





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