Vegetarian Star

Michael Pollan, food activist and writer, is one of several people attaching their names to a letter written in response to the USDA approving genetically modified alfalfa.

Roudup-ready alfalfa, produced by Monsanto and Forage Genetics International, is said to yield faster-growing strands and fewer weeds with every bale, but opponents say the crops have the potential to contaminate nearby organic crops and lead to the development of herbicide-resistant pests.

Alfalfa isn’t (normally) eaten by humans. It’s primarily fed to cows. So what does that have to do with vegetarians? Pollan thinks organic milk could be in jeopardy.

“Consumers don’t eat [genetically modified] alfalfa, of course,” Pollan said, “But it’s the main feed for dairy cows. And organic milk, one of the most successful and popular organic foods, could be compromised if the organic cows eat non-organic feed.”

“We stand united in opposition to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) decision to once again allow unlimited, nationwide commercial planting of Monsanto’s genetically engineered (GE) Roundup Ready alfalfa, despite the many risks to organic and conventional farmers,” reads a statement titled, “We Stand In Opposition To GE Alfalfa.”

“USDA’s decision to allow unlimited, nationwide commercial planting of Monsanto’s GE Roundup Ready alfalfa without any restrictions flies in the face of the interests of conventional and organic farmers, preservation of the environment, and consumer choice.”

The Center For Consumer Safety is filing a lawsuit in regards to the decision.

Interested individuals have numerous ways to get involved with the issue, using the following websites.

To Receive Action Alerts:
http://cfs.convio.net/site/PageNavigator/Register

To Make A Donation To The Legal Efforts
https://secure3.convio.net/cfs/site/Donation2?1311.donation=form1&df_id=1311&JServSessionIdr004=vqetvh6lh5.app306a

To Let The White House Know You Don’t Support Deregulation Of GE Alfalfa
http://ota.capwiz.com/ota/issues/alert/?alertid=24747501

Photo: PR Photos

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