With the federal court decision that permitted beet farmers in Nebraska and across the country to plant Roundup Ready seeds this spring, alfalfa takes center stage. The dispute over this genetically modified crop has been on hold since 2007.
A federal court order has blocked Monsanto from selling its genetically modified alfalfa seeds, which resist the herbicide Roundup, since that year. The court ruled that the U.S. Department of Agriculture hadn’t done enough to study the impact of the biotech seeds before it approved them.
The three-year USDA study is nearing completion, but Monsanto also has appealed the court decision to the U.S. Supreme Court, which will hear its arguments sometime in April. The issue could become moot before the court releases its decision in June if the USDA finishes its study and approves the genetically modified alfalfa first.
Alfalfa is a deep-rooted perennial hay that is highly desirable fodder for livestock. It also is used for pasture and as a cover crop.
Alfalfa is the fourth-largest crop grown in this country. Some 23 million acres in 48 states are dedicated to it annually, only 1 percent grown from GM seeds. Hundreds of Nebraska acres are in alfalfa.
The argument against genetically modified alfalfa, and sugar beets as well, is that the engineered seeds contaminate non-GM alfalfa. Particularly affected are organically grown crops and closely related produce Swiss chard and sugar beets, for instance. Monsanto counters that the chance of cross-pollination is slight and notes that the environment benefits when less herbicide is used.
In addition, opponents say that the Roundup Ready feature could encourage weeds that have already developed a tolerance to herbicide. In ruling against Monsanto, the federal court found that conventional and organic alfalfa had already been contaminated by the Monsanto seed.
The damage was irreparable, the court said, because after contaminated alfalfa is removed, the land can’t be replanted to the crop for two to four years. While Monsanto argued that the transmission of GM traits could be minimized with properly timed planting, the court suggested that the weather could wreak havoc with that plan.
The high court’s decision might hinge, in part, on its assessment of whether the gene-mingling that apparently is occurring is significant or minor. Likewise, it will have to assess the economic impact of the use of genetically engineered seeds to Monsanto, farmers who plant its seeds and farmers who do not.
Nebraska’s alfalfa growers will be watching Washington closely as the high court ponders its decision. The future direction of their businesses is at stake.
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