2-24 FB GM Alfalfa

There is a great deal of concern that contamination of organic and traditional crops by genetically modified alfalfa is inevitable. This comes in the shadow of a recent USDA ruling that allows the planting of the genetically modified hay. The agricultural community at large had been pushing the U.S. Department of Agriculture to approve its use with the exception of some  opponents such as  organic farmers who say widespread planting of genetically modified alfalfa will result in pollen from those plants contaminating organic and traditional crops. That would destroy their value. But Executive Director of Growers for Biotechnology, Douglas R. Jones has a different perspective: “The critics don’t understand the production of alfalfa. Hay is normally cut prior to its ever having bloomed. Alfalfa is a perennial crop. Once you plant it, it will not be contaminated by any other pollen because you cut it as forage.” While alfalfa is primarily used for cattle, some people don't want to eat foods from animals that have consumed genetically modified plants.