In June 2005, Monsanto’s genetically modified Roundup Ready alfalfa was approved for commercial sale by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Roundup Ready alfalfa is designed to tolerate the leading ingredient in Monsanto’s trademark Roundup herbicide, glyphosate. Monsanto’s alfalfa is the first genetically modified perennial crop to be commercialized, which poses special environmental, agricultural, and economic risks.
WORC produced A Guide to Genetically Modified Alfalfa for alfalfa producers and consumers on the environmental, agricultural, and economic risks that Roundup Ready® alfalfa poses to U.S. conventional and organic farmers, ranchers and consumers.
COALITION WINS MORATORIUM
WORC, Dakota Resource Council, Center for Food Safety and others have won the first-ever moratorium on a genetically modified seed. On February 13, 2007, Judge Charles Breyer ruled that USDA had failed to adequately evaluate the potential environmental and economic impacts of GM alfalfa. In May, Judge Breyer issued a judgment banning the planting or sale of Roundup Ready alfalfa until USDA re-approves it based on a full Environmental Impact Statement.
Supreme Court Rules on GM Alfalfa Case
The Supreme Court made its ruling on the first ever genetically modified crop case to go to the high court. In Monsanto V. Geerston Farms, the Court reversed parts of the lower courts rulings. However, the judgment holds that the planting of Monsanto’s Roundup Ready Alfalfa cannot go forward at this time.
- Read the Court’s decision
- Read summary of the findings
- Read press release by Center for Food Safety
Monsanto loses alfalfa appeal (June 20, 2010)
On June 24, 2009, a U.S. appeals court refused to lift the ban on planting genetically modified (GM) alfalfa until the federal government finishes its study on how the product could affect organic and conventional crops, the environment, and economic well-being of farmers.
- Read WORC's news release
Appeals Court affirms GM alfalfa ban
The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals has ruled for WORC and our fellow-plaintiffs, upholding a nationwide ban on the planting of genetically-engineered (GE) Roundup Ready alfalfa pending a full Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). The Court rejected an appeal by USDA and Monsanto of Federal Judge Charles Breyer's 2007 decision to enjoin further sales and planting of GM alfalfa seed and requiring USDA to prepare a full Environmental Impact Statement on any future decision to approve GM alfalfa.
In her opinion for the Court, Circuit Judge Mary M. Schroeder upheld Judge Breyer’s finding that “the harm to growers and consumers who wanted non-genetically engineered alfalfa outweighed the financial hardships to Monsanto and Forage Genetics and their growers.”
Judge Breyer Orders Complete Environmental Review of Monsanto’s Gene-Altered Alfalfa (May 3, 2007)
The Judge called on USDA to ban any further planting of the GE seed until it conducts a complete Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) on the GE crop.
- Read WORC’s statement
- Read injunction
Judge Grants Injunction (March 12, 2007)
Judge stops GM alfalfa seed sales and planting of crops.
- Read WORC’s statement
- Read Center for Food Safety news release
- Read injunction
Judge Issues Decision (Feb. 13, 2007)
Court finds USDA violated the law by failing to conduct and Environmental Impact Statement before approving commercial release of GM Alfalfa.
- Read WORC’s news release
- Read Center for Food Safety news release
- Read judge’s decision
COALITION FILES LAWSUIT
WORC, Dakota Resource Council, Center for Food Safety and others have joined in a lawsuit challenging USDA’s approval of the commercial release of GM alfalfa.
- Read WORC news release
- Read Dakota Resource Council news release
- Read The Center for Food Safety news release
- Read Executive Summary
- Understanding Monsanto's Technology Agreement
- 10 Things You Should Know About Roundup Ready Alfalfa
Background
Farmers and ranchers value alfalfa for its superior quality as forage. Alfalfa is the fourth most widely grown crop behind corn, soybeans, and wheat. In Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, Idaho, Oregon and North and South Dakota, alfalfa hay production is a $1.7 billion a year industry, and amounts to 25% of U.S. annual alfalfa hay production. Alfalfa is grown on over 21 million acres, and is worth $8 billion per year (not including the value of final products, such as dairy products).
April 2007
Organic Valley farmers want permanent injunction against genetically modified alfalfa.
March 2006
Saskatchewan Organic Directorate opposes GM alfalfa. Read their position statement.
August 2005
WORC's fact sheet, The Problem with GM Alfalfa.
June 2005
The U.S. Department of Agriculture approves Roundup Ready alfalfa for commercial sale in the U.S.
January 2005
WORC submits comments to USDA/APHIS on Roundup Ready alfalfa.
Resources
The Center for Food Safety
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