NEWS: GM Crops: UW prof: Ban on genetic alfalfa could hurt
Star Tribune (Jackson Hole)
March 14, 2007
Excerpt…
A decision temporarily halting the planting of genetically engineered alfalfa could affect Wyoming production, according to an alfalfa breeder and University of Wyoming professor.
Robin Groose, who teaches plant breeding and genetics, said the preliminary injunction issued Tuesday by a federal judge in response to a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Agriculture could cut into production of alfalfa in Wyoming.
Farmers who already have purchased the herbicide-resistant alfalfa seed must plant it by March 30. No new sales of the seed will be allowed, according to U.S. District Judge Charles Breyer's preliminary injunction order.
San Francisco-based Breyer ruled last month that federal authorities had failed to fully consider the public health, economic and environmental consequences before allowing the sale of Roundup Ready alfalfa. The Center for Food Safety had sued on behalf of farmers who complained the genetically engineered seed could contaminate organic and conventional alfalfa. The seed, produced by Monsanto Co. and Forage Genetics International, is resistant to herbicides including the Monsanto-produced Roundup weed killer.
Wyoming, according to statistics provided by the USDA, annually produces 1.5 million tons of high-quality alfalfa for forage, grown on approximately 600,000 acres.
"It's unclear what the effect (of this ruling) would be at this point, but it is our most important crop," Groose said, adding that the genetically produced seed would help in weed control. "From an economic standpoint, (Roundup Ready) seed would benefit the growers who would want to use it."
The decision was hailed by some opposed to the genetically produced seed.
"Roundup Ready alfalfa poses threats to farmers, to our export markets and to the environment," said Will Rostov, spokesman for the Center for Food Safety, a nonprofit environmental advocacy group.
A call to the Idaho-based Forage Genetics seeking comment was referred to Monsanto, where a spokesman said he's disappointed by the temporary injunction but hopeful it wouldn't stand.
"We are hopeful that a reasoned approach in this matter will address questions about the regulatory approval process for Roundup Ready alfalfa," said Jerry Steiner, a Monsanto executive vice president.
Oral arguments on the Center for Food Safety's request for a permanent injunction were scheduled for April 27.
Monsanto spokesman Andrew Burchett said the company would not be hurt financially by the prohibition on the sale of the seed because "this is not one of our major crops."
About 200,000 acres of genetically modified alfalfa already has been planted across the United States. The judge, in Monday's order, did not require those crops to be removed….
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