11/29/05 Idaho`s take on Roundup Ready alfalfa

Hay growers in Washington State have concerns about Roundup Ready alfalfa. Monsanto licensed Forage Genetics to produce the seed. In Washington State the Hay Growers Association wants a delay on the release of the seed until the Japanese fully approve it. Monsanto's Jennifer Garrett says Washington growers obviously worry about that foreign market because unlike Idaho and Oregon they export one fourth of their alfalfa crop to places like Japan. GARRETT "What we've seen in Oregon and Idaho has been 'why can't we get more seed.' Granted in parts of Idaho where they typically would not seed in the fall the conversation we're having is 'can I get the seed in the spring?'" So what are the advantages of using Roundup Ready alfalfa compared to conventional? GARRETT "A dairy or an alfalfa grower could pay for the cost of the seed and the technology fee in the establishment year alone. Technology fee is a payment for the use of the technology and it's a one time up front fee. If your stand last six years you don't have to pay it every year. If your stand last four years you don't have to pay every year. You just pay it the first year." Garrett says based on the improvement in quality of the crop, less herbicide use and additional tonnage, when compared to conventional crops the cost of the technology is covered in the establishment year. Today's Idaho Ag News Bill Scott