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.
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.
Monsanto appeals court order banning Roundup Ready alfalfa
Monsanto and Forage Genetics have appealed Judge Breyer's judgments against USDA's approval of Roundup Ready alfalfa. Monsanto's appeal to the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals asserts that the court's injunction against Roundup Ready alfalfa seed sales imposes unnecessary restrictions and costs on growers, seed dealers, Forage Genetics, Inc. and Monsanto.
Monsanto did not seek to have the injunction lifted, so the injunction remains in effect during the appeal. Monsanto asked the Ninth Circuit to expedite the appeal, but was denied. During the appeal, which is expected to take two years, the injunction barring further planting and sale remains in effect.
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.