Extension Weed Scientist

 

After hearing additional testimony and reviewing additional data, the judge made his final ruling with regards to the use of Roundup Ready alfalfa. This past Thursday (May 3^rd, 2007). The judge ruled that Roundup Ready alfalfa seed will continue to be a regulated commodity (has been regulated since the initial injunction on 3-12-07) and no new Roundup Ready alfalfa stands can be planted. This ruling will remain in effect until USDA-APHIS conducts an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) on the potential impact Roundup Ready alfalfa will have on the environment and other groups (in particular the organic alfalfa growers). Once the EIS is completed, interested parties will need to petition for deregulation of Roundup Ready alfalfa, and if it is approved (in light of the new EIS information), then it will become available for use. While it is not known how long this process will take, it is expected that writing the EIS will take 1-2 years to complete. The defense and associated parties are considering appealing the decision.

 

What does this mean for Roundup Ready alfalfa that is currently being grown? The judge did not restrict the growth or sale, but did place specific restrictions on how to manage those fields.

 

They are:

 

Roundup Ready alfalfa planted before March 30, 2007 may be grown, harvested and sold subject to the following conditions.

I.                Pollinators shall not be added to Roundup Ready alfalfa fields grown only for hay production.

II.               Farm equipment used in Roundup Ready alfalfa production shall be properly cleaned after use.

III.             Roundup Ready alfalfa shall be handled and clearly identified to minimize commingling after harvest. Immediately after harvest, growers or seed producers shall store Roundup Ready alfalfa in specifically designated and clearly labeled containers.

 

USDA-APHIS is responsible for providing instructions on how growers shall clean their equipment and how to properly store Roundup Ready alfalfa.

 

The judge has made his rulings available to the public; there is a link to the detailed decision and summary below. If interested in this issue, I urge you to read these, as it will provide you with a better understanding of why the judge made the decision, and what some of the options that both sides presented to minimize movement of the transgenic gene.