Recent postings [1] here and [2] here have concerned GMO-related legislation in New Hampshire. The following Action Alert from [3] Food For Maine’s Future concerns possible deregulation of GMO alfalfa, which threatens to contaminate organic foods and crops nationally. The USDA’s position is that genetically engineered (GE) alfalfa meets current standards, however, acknowledges that GE alfalfa is virtually certain to contaminate non-GE seeds. The extended deadline for public comment provides you the opportunity to help urge the USDA to protect organic farmers and consumers, and reject deregulation of GMO alfalfa, a potentially dangerous precedent:

DEADLINE FOR PUBLIC COMMENT ON USDA ALFALFA EIS EXTENDED TO MARCH 3

In 2006, the Center for Food Safety (CFS) sued the Department of Agriculture (USDA) for its illegal approval of Monsanto’s genetically engineered (GE) Roundup Ready alfalfa. The federal courts sided with CFS and banned GE alfalfa until the USDA fully analyzed the impacts of the plant on the environment, farmers, and the public in a rigorous analysis known as an environmental impact statement (or EIS). USDA released its draft EIS on December 14, 2009. A 60-day comment period is now open until March 3, 2010. This is the first time the USDA has done this type of analysis for any GE crop. Therefore, the final decision will have broad implications for all GE crops.

Take a minute right now to tell the USDA GE alfalfa is unnecessary and poses too great a risk to organic producers and people who want GE-free food. Suggested comments are included [4] here. Cut and paste into the USDA page ([5] link) or compile your own comments.

*Please be aware that this is a Federal docket and any personal information you share may be publicly posted by USDA or other government agencies.

To review the EIS: [6] http://www.aphis.usda.gov/biotechnology/downloads/alfalfa/gealfalfa_deis.pdf and supplemental documents here: [7] http://www.aphis.usda.gov/biotechnology/alfalfa_documents.shtml.

Provide your comments to USDA APHIS No Later Than March 3, 2010.