U.S. Scraps Plans to Restrict Planting of Genetically Modified Alfalfa

U.S. officials have rejected a proposal to regulate the planting of genetically modified alfalfa, a decision seen as a triumph for advocates of biotech crops. After conducting an analysis of economic and environmental factors, U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack determined that alfalfa engineered to be resistant to the herbicide Roundup (commonly known as glyphosate) “is as safe as traditionally bred alfalfa.” The decision, which allows GM farmers to get crops in the ground this spring, is a significant setback for organic farmers who have claimed that such genetically altered crops can affect their farmland as bees and other insects cross-pollinate genetically modifed strains with organically certified, non-engineered alfalfa strains. Opponents also say the increased use of herbicides on genetically modifed crops is creating chemical-resistant “super weeds” and an increase in chemical residues in U.S. food. Alfalfa is the fourth-biggest field crop in the U.S., generating $8 billion to $10 billion as feed for livestock.