USDA Approves Roundup Ready® Alfalfa Without Conditions

The ag community breathed a sigh of relief last Thursday when the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced the deregulation of Roundup Ready Alfalfa without conditions.  As a result, Roundup Ready Alfalfa will be available for spring 2011 planting.

“This is really a win for farmers across the country as the UDSA’s handling of Roundup Ready Alfalfa could have set an unwelcome precedent for other biotechnology-derived crops,” says John Latham, president, Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds.

The USDA’s Jan. 27^th decision was the final step in an extensive environmental review process that took 46 months to complete.  For additional background information about this process, visit http://www.roundupreadyalfalfa.com/.

For alfalfa growers’ perspective on the benefits of Roundup Ready alfalfa, check out these two blog posts:

• http://www.truthabouttrade.org/news/editorials/board-commentary/17172-litigation-is-the-root-of-the-problem
• http://commonsenseagriculture.com/2011/01/21/roundup-ready-alfalfa-understanding-practices/