USDA Approves Roundup Ready® Alfalfa Without Conditions
The ag community breathed a sigh of relief last Thursday when the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced the deregulation of Roundup Ready Alfalfa without conditions. As a result, Roundup Ready Alfalfa will be available for spring 2011 planting.
“This is really a win for farmers across the country as the UDSA’s handling of Roundup Ready Alfalfa could have set an unwelcome precedent for other biotechnology-derived crops,” says John Latham, president, Latham Hi-Tech Seeds.
The USDA’s Jan. 27th decision was the final step in an extensive environmental review process that took 46 months to complete. For additional background information about this process, visit http://www.roundupreadyalfalfa.com/.
For alfalfa growers’ perspective on the benefits of Roundup Ready alfalfa, check out these two blog posts:
- http://www.truthabouttrade.org/news/editorials/board-commentary/17172-litigation-is-the-root-of-the-problem
- http://commonsenseagriculture.com/2011/01/21/roundup-ready-alfalfa-understanding-practices/
