The National Organic Coalition (NOC) today is shocked and
disappointed over the decision by USDA Secretary Vilsack to
de-regulate Genetically Engineered (GE) Alfalfa.
"We appreciate the measures that the Secretary has announced to
explore ways to develop the science to protect organic and other
non-GE alfalfa farmers from contamination. However, to
institute these measures after the GE alfalfa is deregulated
defies common sense," said Michael Sligh, founding member of
NOC. "Logically, efforts to develop the science of prevent GMO
contamination should precede, not follow, any decision to
deregulate GE crops."
De-regulation with no oversight, enforcement or penalties by
USDA is a green light for business as usual. Potential
contamination from yet another genetically modified crop without
independent health and environmental testing, or plans for
liability, compensation, and labeling is of grave concern to
organic farmers and consumers alike, according to NOC
spokespersons.
"Organic and others are now left, once again having to take all
the precautions while biotech takes little responsibility,"
said Liana Hoodes, NOC Director.
In December, Secretary Vilsack brought some stakeholders
together to discuss organic, non-GE, and biotech "living
together", but no conclusions were reached. The National
Organic Coalition participated in some of these meetings and
presented concrete recommendations. "We remain resolute in our
pursuit of full implementation of these recommendations to
protect the interests of organic growers and consumers, said
Hoodes.
"It is time for the US government to support more than just the
biotech approach to agriculture. Approving the unrestricted
planting of GE alfalfa is clearly a case of USDA caving in to
special interests over public good."
NOC spokespersons went on to state that the American public has
noted in poll after poll that they want the right to know how
their food is produced, and demand that GE foods be labeled to
preserve their choice.
The National Organic Coalition has a detailed paper outlining
its necessary pre-requisites to any approval entitled: GMO
Contamination Prevention: What Will It Take? available at:
http://www.nationalorganiccoalition.org/GMO/GMOContaminat...
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