Alfalfa is one of the most important legumes used in agriculture. The primary use of alfalfa is for:
- Dairy production
- Beef
- Sheep
- Horses
- Goats
- Human consumption
The US is the largest producers of alfalfa in the world. California, South Dakota and Wisconsin are the US’s largest state growers.
In addition to the list above, NAAIC states alfalfa also has begun to be used as a bio-fuel for the production of electricity, bio-remediation of soils with high levels of nitrogen, and as a factory for the production of industrial enzymes such as lignin peroxidase, alpha-amylase, cellulase and phytase. Article
The USDA recently approved Monsanto’s genetically engineered alfalfa to be planted. My question is, what’s going to happen to the organic consumers? With the uprise of organic dairy feed, the only beneficial party will be the conventional consumers.
Not only will the organic consumers not benefit from the G.E. crops, the USDA won’t even keep track of where the crops will be planted.
If any G.E. crops are planted with in a 5 mile radius to any organic crops, possible contamination can occur. Not only will the organic farmers lose their crop if tested positive for G.E., Monsanto will have zero responsibility for any loss of business that may occur that’s related to the G.E. contamination.
With zero regulations put on these G.E. crops, this could be the end of organic food altogether. Tomorrow benefits of alfalfa.