9-30 FB Bio-tech Alfalfa

 Lawmakers Urge Vilsack not to OK Biotech Aflalfa

In Washington, six Democratic senators and 50 House members wrote to Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack urging him not to approve the commercialization of Monsanto Co.’s biotech alfalfa. The Supreme Court this week cleared the way for the Secretary to permit the sale of the biotech seed again by lifting a judge’s nationwide ban on the product.?In the letter, the lawmakers disputed the Agriculture Department’s draft environmental impact statement that said the biotech crop was unlikely to harm the environment or human health.?The American Farm Bureau Federation strongly supports the commercialization of biotech alfalfa and other biotech crops. AFBF joined other farm groups in applauding the Supreme Court decision made Monday. Here’s technologically oriented alfalfa producer from Northern Idaho, Robert Blair: “We need bio-technology in crops. Because of all the rules and regulations coming down from the EPA to get new chemicals out, we’re starting to build up resistance to weeds, resistance and disease. We’re needing another tool in our toolbox and bio-tech is the answer.”