Genetically engineered alfalfa: What it means to you

by Maryjane Butters
| April 17, 2011 9:00 PM

If you're not a farmer of forage crops or in the business of feeding cattle, you may never have given much thought to alfalfa. It's green, cows eat it, end of story. But if you're passionate about your food choices - particularly if you are an avid supporter of organic agriculture - then I'm betting you'll want to give this crop some serious consideration, starting about now.

What is alfalfa, and why should I care?

Alfalfa, a relative of the pea plant, is the fourth largest commodity crop grown in the United States. It is most commonly harvested as hay for feeding livestock, and its high protein content and superior digestibility make it a top feed choice for dairy cows. What does that have to do with me, you ask?

In January of this year, the federal government gave farmers the green light to grow genetically engineered (GE) alfalfa. Hot on the heels of GE corn and soybeans, which now dominate our national food supply, GE alfalfa threatens to strike another blow at the organic industry as we know it. These mega-volume crops have been manipulated by scientists to resist the spraying of glyphosate herbicide (commonly known as Roundup) so that fields can be sprayed en masse, killing any plant that isn't counted as a "commodity." In theory, this sounds pretty convenient, but the reality is grim.

How does this impact the organic industry?

Like its corn and soy predecessors, GE alfalfa can cross-pollinate non-engineered alfalfa, and this means big trouble for organic farmers. Current organic certification regulations prohibit GMOs from organic products. In effect, if livestock are fed alfalfa that has been accidentally cross-pollinated by a nearby GE crop, the resulting meat and milk can no longer be marketed as organic, and this equals significant financial losses for producers.

As the use of GE alfalfa expands, it will become more and more difficult to confirm the absence of modified genes within a crop, squelching the economic viability of both growing organic alfalfa and buying it to feed organic livestock. Either way, the organic farmer's options will dwindle, and higher prices will be passed along to consumers.

Liana Hoodes, director of the National Organic Coalition, put it this way: "Organic farmers and others are now left, once again, having to take all the precautions while biotech takes little responsibility."

What can I do?

Often, when we start talking about the national food supply using a lot of doomsday rhetoric, it feels like there is little we can do as individuals. After all, there aren't many citizens out there who actively support GE agriculture, and yet it continues to expand its scope. It's especially maddening because GE ag is a way for mega corporations to actually own varieties of seeds, putting farmers forever in the palm of their hands. But don't give up hope just yet. There are actions you can take to avoid and oppose genetic engineering. Here are four ways to start:

1. Eat wild

When it comes to meat, wild game is an excellent choice. Besides being absolutely delicious, it comes from animals that live freely and graze primarily on nature's bounty. Wild meat is also lower in saturated fat and calories than commercial meat, and it has a significantly higher content of heart-healthy fats. Not to mention, wild game aren't inundated with as many pesticides and funky feed additives as domestic animals. If you're not a hunter and aren't sure where to find wild meat, talk to your local fish and game department to make a connection with hunters who may be willing to share their harvest.

2. Go native

If going wild isn't for you, try going native. Instead of buying meat and milk from cows raised on crops that may be contaminated with GE pollen, seek out farms that grow native grasses to feed their livestock. Growing native is better for the environment, produces healthier animal products, and virtually eliminates the risk of GE contamination. Search websites like eatwild.com and Local Harvest localharvest.org to find a native, grass-based farm near you.

3. Express yourself

As of today, this country is still a democracy in which each of our voices CAN make a difference. Contact your state congress and President Obama with your concerns (contact information can be found at www.congress.org). If you're at a loss for words, the Organic Trade Association has prepared a letter that can be modified, signed and sent directly to the White House. Find it at ota.capwiz.com/ota/issues.

4. Keep buying organic

Buying organic meat, milk and produce is still a critically important means of minimizing your exposure to GMOs. Plus, every dollar you spend on organic supports an industry that is committed to protecting our food from genetic engineering, pesticides and unhealthy additives. And don't forget your pets in the anti-GMO equation. Try modestomilling.com or thewholisticpet.com.