Call President Obama: Stop Monsanto‘s GMO alfalfa …

We’ve just learned that the USDA is on the cusp of approving Monsanto’s genetically modified (GMO) Roundup Ready alfalfa for planting in the U.S. Should the approval go through, it would present a real danger of contamination to organic and other non-GMO alfalfa. And since alfalfa is a staple food for cattle, organic certifications of dairy, beef, and other foods would also be in jeopardy, as would be the livelihoods of organic farmers who produce them.

There’s still time to stop the approval, but we have to act fast and go straight to the top. Can you call President Obama today and ask him to reject the approval of GMO alfalfa?

CALL PRESIDENT OBAMA 202 456 1111

The USDA has acknowledged the risk of contamination from GMO strains of the crop, but has presented an entirely unworkable plan that does little to control actual spread of modified genes. Under the USDA’s current proposal, engineered genes from Monsanto’s alfalfa would very likely still make their way into non-GMO crops. Since GMO pollen is carried by the wind, there’s nothing farmers can do about it.¹

Many consumers trust and depend on the organic label to make decisions about what they eat. GMO alfalfa would undermine the integrity of the label and be a disaster for the organic dairy industry. Until thorough research has been completed to evaluate the potential impacts, the only acceptable solution is to keep Monsanto’s seeds off the market entirely.

Also at hand is the environmental impact of Monsanto’s other Roundup Ready crops, which have promoted the spread of herbicide-resistant superweeds on millions of acres. To fight these weeds, farmers end up using even more toxic chemicals that pollute our soil and water.²

The Obama Administration needs to stand up to Monsanto and Big Agriculture and protect organic products and producers.

You can help change the outcome of the USDA’s decision by making a call today.

Adam Klaus, Campaign Manager
CREDO Action

¹ www.usda.gov/wps/portal/usda/usdahome?contentidonly=true&contentid=2010/12/0667.xml
² www.nytimes.com/2010/05/04/business/energy-environment/04weed.htm