A Guide to
Genetically Modified Alfalfa

This Guide to Genetically Modified Alfalfa is a toolkit for farmers, ranchers and consumers. It covers the environmental, agricultural, and economic risks Roundup Ready alfalfa poses to U.S. farmers and ranchers and information for consumers who prefer organic, GM-free food.

The Guide includes information on problems, alternatives to the technology, and action steps to avoid the problems that would come with widespread adoption.

A Guide to Genetically Modified Alfalfa

Download the Guide to Genetically Modified Alfalfa (pdf 1.7 MB).

Monsanto's Technology Use Guide

Liability for the spread of Monsanto’s GM seeds is a serious threat to all farmers, whether they grow GM seeds or not. Patents afford Monsanto ownership of its GM seeds even after a farmer purchases and plants the seeds.

To protect its patent rights, Monsanto enforces a "limited use license" called a Technology Agreement. This contract subjects farmers to invasions of their private property and personal records, and shields Monsanto from liability associated with contamination events and market rejection involving of GM crops.

Understanding Monsanto's Technology Agreement (pdf 97k)
Monsanto's 2006 Technology Use Agreement (pdf external link)
Monsanto’s 2006 Technology Use Guide & Roundup Ready Alfalfa (pdf 252k)
Monsanto's 2006 Technology Use Guide (pdf external link)

Reports

Download the Reports section of the Guide here. (pdf 83k)

Gone to Seed:Transgenic Contaminants in the Tradtional Supply (pdf) - The Union of Concerned Scientists examines how GM crop varieties threaten the quality of the seed supply and concludes that tradtional seed varieties of corn, soybeans and canola are pervasively contaminated with levels of DNA sequences derived from GM varieties.
Genetically Engineered Crops and Pesticide Use in the United States: The First Nine Years - Dr. Charles Benbrook debunks GM crop proponents' claim that GM crops reduce pesticide use, and uses USDA data to sow that GM corn, soybeans, and cotton have led to a 122 million pound increase in pesticide use since 1996.
Monsanto vs. U.S. Farmers - The Center for Food Safety documents the Monsanto Company's lawsuits against American farmers, revealing thousands of investigations and nearly 100 lawsuits by Monsanto targeting farmers.
Farmers' Guide to GMOs (pdf) - This guide, by the Farmers Legal Action Group (FLAG) and Rural Advancement Foundation International (RAFI), addresses many issues associated with farmers' use of GMOs, including federal regulation of GMOs, GMO contract terms, seed saving, field inspections, and liability issues from GMO contamination.
Seeds of Doubt: North American Farmers' Experience with GM Crops - The Soil Association presents evidence to challenge commonly clamed benefits of GM technology: higher yields, lower chemical use, food security, and profitability for farmers.
Harvest at Risk - Dr. Charles Benbrook describes the probable consequences of Roundup Ready wheat adoption and projects economic impacts on growers and industry, including the cost of adoption and the impacts on farmers who do not adopt Roundup Ready wheat.