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Wisconsin-based Forage Genetics is moving full speed ahead with its "co-existence plan" for genetically modified (GM) alfalfa in Canada, despite the fact that co-existence with a feral, perennial crop like alfalfa is impossible.
Twenty "demonstration plots" of genetically modified alfalfa are scheduled to be planted in Eastern Canada during the 2015 growing season, and 12 of these plots were planted in 2014.
The media is releasing information designed to placate the public and GMO opponents under this false headline:
No Roundup Ready Alfalfa Production for 2015
In fact, Roundup Ready alfalfa will be produced in Canada in 2015, just as it was produced in 2014. GM alfalfa will not be released commercially this year, but Forage Genetics has plans to do so in the near future.
Stop GM Alfalfa in Canada and
Worldwide
Monsanto's Roundup Ready alfalfa has now become the first
genetically modified (GM) perennial planted in Canadian history.
Twenty “demonstration plots” of genetically
modified alfalfa are to be planted in Eastern Canada in spring 2015, and 12 of
these plots were planted in 2014.
Wisconsin-based Forage Genetics is also moving full speed
ahead on a “co-existence plan” for GM alfalfa, which farmers and citizens know is impossible.
Forage Genetics has plans for the wide-scale selling of Monsanto’s genetically modified (GM)
alfalfa seeds in Ontario and Quebec because GM alfalfa has already been rejected wholeheartedly by Western Canadian farmers and ranchers.
Monsanto's alfalfa strains have been
genetically modified to withstand its glyphosate-based herbicide Roundup. Genes
that are not naturally found in alfalfa have been implanted by scientists into
the seeds so the plants will withstand major doses of the herbicide.
GM alfalfa was unconditionally approved
amidst much controversy in the United States in 2011, and genetically modified
alfalfa has been planted there for the past four seasons. It now accounts for
70% of the alfalfa crop in some states and has contaminated the natural crop.
Lawsuits are ongoing.
A Call for an Immediate Moratorium on
Genetically Modified Alfalfa in Canada
The introduction of genetically
modified alfalfa has the ability to wipe out the entire foundation of
organic/non-genetically modified agriculture.
Alfalfa is a staple livestock
feed. It is a crop often used during the three-year field transition from conventional
to organic farming. Alfalfa is also essential in crop rotations as a
nitrogen-fixer and natural fertilizer of the soil.
As alfalfa is embedded in the entire organic agriculture system, contamination
by GM alfalfa would be devastating. Alfalfa is also used widely in non-GM
agriculture.
As a staple livestock feed, alfalfa is made into bales of hay that are fed to
animals. What we feed our animals, we end up eating ourselves if we eat meat or
animal products. Contamination by GMOs would particularly affect organic/non-GM
meat, dairy, eggs, and honey. Because GM alfalfa would have an effect on soil
quality, however, vegetables, fruits, and grains could also be affected.
The first genetically modified organisms (GMOs) were
released in the mid-1990s. GMOs have spread faster than anyone could have
imagined, and due to the lack of labelling and segregation within the
agricultural system, GM crops grown widely in Canada, especially soybeans,
corn, and canola, have contaminated natural versions. If you are eating a
non-organic product that contains a derivative of those three crops (soybeans,
corn, or canola), you are almost guaranteed to be eating some genetically
modified material.
Already, there can be no guarantee that a food
product labelled organic is completely free of genetically modified material. However,
because the effort is made to keep organic crops separate from genetically
modified crops, organic crops remain the best bet for non-GM food choices.
(Source: Manitoba organic inspector Priscilla
Reimer)
Co-existence is Impossible
Currently, the plan touted by GM proponents is a
“co-existence policy” where genetically modified alfalfa can be grown,
harvested, and used alongside non-genetically modified alfalfa. This is the
plan Forage Genetics is moving ahead on in Canada, despite widespread
opposition.
What organic and non-GM farmers know is that this
co-existence is actually impossible, particularly with a feral perennial crop
(grows back year-after-year) like alfalfa that cross-pollinates widely,
including by wind and insects.
The first official case
of alfalfa contamination by a genetically modified variety was reported by
a farmer in Washington state in September 2013. The farmer’s natural
alfalfa crop was rejected for export because, without his knowledge or
intention, it was found to contain genetically modified material from
Monsanto’s Roundup Ready GM alfalfa variety.
The
Washington farmer complained to the United States Department of
Agriculture, which responded with an “it’s not our problem” stance on the
issue. The USDA claimed that the unintentional contamination of the natural
alfalfa crop, as well as the resulting loss of markets and non-GM food
security, were a “commercial issue” that must be dealt with in the marketplace.
Because many countries
worldwide have banned genetically modified seeds, crops, and foods,
including the European Union, any crop found to contain GM material will
be rejected for export.
In October 2014, for example, China slammed the
door to U.S. hay imports after unintentional GM alfalfa contamination was
found.
PhD work done in Manitoba on the spread of genetically modified canola between
2004 and 2007 found unintentional GMO contamination as well as cross-breeding
between GM strains. Escape populations of canola were studied - plants growing
outside fields where they had not been planted - and widespread contamination
by genetically modified organisms was found among them.
The study found that the transportation and
containment systems were most often the cause of the spread of the seeds
(spilling from trucks, trains, and elevators), making the standard solution of
"buffer fields" between GM and non-GM crops almost useless to stop
contamination. Unless the growing, transportation, and containment of
genetically modified seeds/crops is kept separate from non-genetically modified
versions, contamination is inevitable. In particular, it would be impossible to contain a feral perennial plant like alfalfa to stop GM versions from contaminating the natural crop.
The same PhD work found something else the GMO companies had not intended: some
of the GM canola plants studied had cross-pollinated with each other in the
wild, forming a hybrid of Monsanto's Roundup Ready variety and Bayer's
LibertyLink variety.
(Source: Alexis KnispelKanu)
Major GM and Glyphosate Safety Concerns Uncovered
An unprecedented animal feeding trial published in 2012 found
that lab rats fed genetically modified corn as well as glyphosate residue - the
primary ingredient in Monsanto's herbicide Roundup - developed high incidences
of tumours, multiple organ damage, and premature death.
The results of the GM feeding trial were published September 19, 2012 in the
scientific journal "Food and Chemical Toxicology." The peer-reviewed
study was conducted by a team of scientists led by
biologist and endocrinologist Gilles-Eric Seralini of the University of Caen in
France.
Republished study: long-term toxicity of a Roundup herbicide and a Roundup-tolerant genetically modified maize
by Gilles-Eric Séralini, Emilie Clair, Robin Mesnage, Steeve Gress, Nicolas Defarge, Manuela Malatesta, Didier Hennequin, and Joël Spiroux de Vendômois
Link: https://enveurope.springeropen.com/articles/10.1186/s12302-014-0014-5
"Abstract
Background
The
health effects of a Roundup-tolerant NK603 genetically modified (GM)
maize(from 11% in the diet), cultivated with or without Roundup
application and Roundupalone (from 0.1 ppb of the full pesticide
containing glyphosate and adjuvants) indrinking water, were evaluated
for 2 years in rats. This study constitutes afollow-up investigation of a
90-day feeding study conducted by Monsanto in orderto obtain commercial
release of this GMO, employing the same rat strain andanalyzing
biochemical parameters on the same number of animals per group as
ourinvestigation. Our research represents the first chronic study on
thesesubstances, in which all observations including tumors are
reportedchronologically. Thus, it was not designed as a carcinogenicity
study. We reportthe major findings with 34 organs observed and 56
parameters analyzed at 11 timepoints for most organs.
Results
Biochemical
analyses confirmed very significant chronic kidney deficiencies, for all
treatments and both sexes; 76% of the altered parameters were
kidney-related.In treated males, liver congestions and necrosis were 2.5
to 5.5 times higher.Marked and severe nephropathies were also generally
1.3 to 2.3 times greater. In females, all treatment groups showed a two-
to threefold increase in mortality,and deaths were earlier. This
difference was also evident in three male groups fed with GM maize. All
results were hormone- and sex-dependent, and the pathological profiles
were comparable. Females developed large mammary tumors more
frequently and before controls; the pituitary was the second most
disabled organ; the sex hormonal balance was modified by consumption of
GM maize and Roundup treatments.Males presented up to four times more
large palpable tumors starting 600 days earlier than in the control
group, in which only one tumor was noted. These results may be explained
by not only the non-linear endocrine-disrupting effects of Roundup but
also by the over expression of the EPSPS transgene or other mutational
effects in the GM maize and their metabolic consequences.
Conclusion
Our
findings imply that long-term (2 year) feeding trials need to be
conducted to thoroughly evaluate the safety of GM foods and pesticides in
their full commercial formulations."
The study was attacked vociferously as flawed
by other scientists and biotechnology groups. Despite the uproar, the Food and
Chemical Toxicology journal, a major journal on toxicology, refused to retract
the study (until, that is, the journal hired ex-Monsanto scientist, Richard E.
Goodman, on its editorial staff).
The trial studied the long-term effects of exposure
to NK603 GM corn (Monsanto's Roundup Ready variety) and glyphosate -
individually and combined - on the health of rats over two years.
The study found that even exposure to levels considered "safe"
resulted in severe negative health effects in the animals:
- Of the rats fed GM corn or glyphosate residue, 50% of males and 70% of
females died prematurely. This was compared to 30% and 20% respectively in the
control group.
- Female rats developed fatal mammary tumours and pituitary disorders. Males
developed liver damage, kidney and skin tumours and had problems with their
digestive systems.
- Rats fed GM corn or Roundup residues developed two to three times more
tumours than the control group.
The study found that ingestion of GM corn and glyphosate caused similar damage
in the rats whether consumed separately or together. Even the lowest doses of
GM corn and glyphosate, touted as safe by industry, were associated with severe
health problems.
Previous studies have produced similar findings, but this was the first ever
feeding trial done over the course of the entire lifespan of a laboratory rat -
two years.
Despite
the fact that lab rats live only two years, no genetically modified animal feeding trials have been done up to this
point for longer than 90 days. Genetically modified seeds/foods have been
rushed onto the market in Canada and the United States without any longer-term
studies on potential effects. The majority of the tumours and devastating
health effects that developed with the rats were detected after 18 months,
which means that prior GM testing done over 90 days would not have discovered
them.
- In 2013, the results of a five-month feeding study done on just-weaned
pigs were released in the "Organic Systems Journal." The study,
conducted by lead researcher Judy Carman of Flinders University in Australia,
found that a diet of genetically modified corn and soy produced severe stomach
inflammation in the pigs, as well as enlargement of the uteruses in female
pigs, indicating both digestive and reproductive damage from GM diets.
by Judy A. Carman, Howard R. Vlieger, Larry J. Ver Steeg, Verlyn E. Sneller, Garth W. Robinson, Catherine A. Clinch-Jones, Julie I. Haynes, and John W. Edwards
Link: http://www.organic-systems.org/journal/81/abstracts/8106.html
"Abstract
A significant number of genetically modified (GM) crops have been
approved to enter human food and animal feed since 1996, including crops
containing several GM genes 'stacked' into the one plant. We randomised
and fed isowean pigs (N=168) either a mixed GM soy and GM corn (maize)
diet (N=84) or an equivalent non-GM diet (N=84) in a longterm toxicology
study of 22.7 weeks (the normal lifespan of a commercial pig from
weaning to slaughter). Equal numbers of male and female pigs were
present in each group. The GM corn contained double and triple-stacked
varieties. Feed intake, weight gain, mortality and blood biochemistry
were measured. Organ weights and pathology were determined post-mortem.
There were no differences between pigs fed the GM and non-GM diets for
feed intake, weight gain, mortality, and routine blood biochemistry
measurements. The GM diet was associated with gastric and uterine
differences in pigs. GM-fed pigs had uteri that were 25% heavier than
non-GM fed pigs (p=0.025). GM-fed pigs had a higher rate of severe
stomach inflammation with a rate of 32% of GM-fed pigs compared to 12%
of non-GM-fed pigs (p=0.004). The severe stomach inflammation was worse
in GM-fed males compared to non-GM fed males by a factor of 4.0
(p=0.041), and GM-fed females compared to non-GM fed females by a factor
of 2.2 (p=0.034)."
Carman said that pigs
were used in the feeding study because their digestive systems are similar to
those of human beings.
Carman is calling for further long-term
animal feeding studies on GM foods before they continue to be commercially
planted and ingested by humans.
- Also in 2013, the results of a study on
glyphosate excretion in the urine of Danish dairy cattle were released. The
study, led by Dr. Monika Krueger, looked at 240 dairy cattle from eight
different dairy farms in Denmark. It found that glyphosate was being excreted
in varying amounts by all the cattle. Blood tests showed toxicity, with a
particular effect on liver and muscle cells. The conclusion of this study was
that glyphosate is toxic to the metabolism of dairy cattle.
Link: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/259042336_Field_Investigations_of_Glyphosate_in_Urine_of_Danish_Dairy_Cows
In
the present study, thirty dairy cows from each of eight Danish dairy
farms were investigated for excretion of glyphosate in urine. Blood
serum parameters indicative of cytotoxicity as alkaline phosphatase
(AP), glutamate dehydrogenase (GLDH), glutamate oxaloacetate
transaminase (GOT), creatinine kinase CK), nephrotoxicity, (urea,
creatine), cholesterol and the trace elements as manganese (Mn), cobalt
(Co), selenium (Se), copper (Cu) and zinc
(Zn) were investigated. All cows excreted glyphosate in their urine but
in varying concentrations. Increased levels of GLDH, GOT and CK in cows
from all farms demonstrate a possible effect of glyphosate on liver and
muscle cells. High urea levels in some farms could be due to
nephrotoxicity of glyphosate. Also the unexpected very low levels of Mn
and Co were observed in all animals which could be explained due to a
strong mineral chelating effect of glyphosate. In contrast the mean
levels of Cu, Zn and Se were within the normal reference range. In
conclusion, this study gives the first documentation to which extent
Danish dairy cattle are exposed to Glyphosate and its impact on blood
parameters."
- In 2015, Italian scientists found that a diet of GM soybeans caused
DNA changes in the milk of mother goats, specifically decreasing immunoglobulin
substances which could affect the immune systems of the offspring. Baby goats
who fed from the mothers on GM soybean diets were also found to have
significantly lower weights.
The in vivo and post mortem performance and serum immunoglobulin G (IgG) concentration in kids born from goats fed conventional (group C) or genetically modified (group T) soybean meal were evaluated. The goat colostrum
quality, in terms of chemical composition, as well as immunoglobulin
concentration, and the presence of feed DNA fragments were also
investigated. Kid birth weights were similar, while significantly (P < 0.05)
higher in those born from goats in group C at day 30 and at
slaughtering. In addition, kids from mothers fed conventional soybean
recorded significant (P < 0.05) higher height at the withers and chest width. Concerning the post mortem measurements, only carcass weights were significantly affected by the treatment resulting in lighter T kids (P < 0.05). Colostrum from the treated groups recorded a significantly (P < 0.01)
lower percentage of protein and fat. Similarly, both chemical
parameters significantly differed in milk collected 15 days after
kidding, although these differences disappeared in the successive
samplings. Both colostrum and kids serum IgG concentration were
significantly (P < 0.01) lower in the treated groups.
Transgenic target DNA sequences (35S and CP4 EPSPS) were not detected in
colostrum from goats that received a diet containing conventional soybean meal. By contrast, transgenic DNA fragments were amplified (P < 0.05) in samples from goats that received the transgenic soybean."
- A 2005 study on rats, led by neuroscientist Irina Ermakova, showed lower birth weights and premature death in the rats fed GM diets as compared to the control group.
"Neuroscientist Irina Ermakova of the Institute of Higher Nervous Activity and Neurophysiology of the Russian Academy of Sciences in Moscow made news headlines two years ago when she reported that rats fed diets containing glyphosate-tolerant genetically modified (GM) soybeans gave birth to pups with low survival rates or stunted growth...
Supplementation of the diet of the females with GM soya led to the death of 25 pups, out of the 45 born by the end of the third week of lactation, while during the same period on the traditional soya supplemented diets only 3 pups died from 33. The mortality in the positive control group was also 3, but from the larger number of pups born, as it seen in Table 1.
High pup mortality was generally characteristic for females fed the GM soya flour."
Roundup is currently the world's most popular and widely-used herbicide. Its
global usage is set to double by 2017, according to Global Industry Analysts of
San Jose, California.
The Battle As it Stands
The sale and growth of genetically modified
alfalfa was initially stopped by a lawsuit in the United States in 2007, but
that lawsuit was overturned by the U.S. Supreme Court in 2010. A compromise
that would have limited the growth of GM alfalfa, potentially protecting
organic and non-GM farmers, was scrapped by the U.S. Department of Agriculture
when it announced approval of unrestricted commercial cultivation on January 27,
2011.
This decision is highly opposed by organic farmers, who stand to lose the most money (and their entire livelihoods) from
contamination by genetically modified alfalfa or even the belief that their
products are contaminated. It is also opposed by many non-GM farmers and by all who wish to eat
GMO-free food.
Genetically modified alfalfa was approved under Tom Vilsack as Secretary of the
United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Vilsack is the ex-Governor of
Iowa, a corn belt state. Genetically modified corn is big business in Iowa. As
might be expected, Vilsack is a major supporter of Monsanto and their
genetically modified seed varieties. Vilsack was even named Governor of the
Year by the Biotechnology Industry Organization in 2001.
In March 2011, a motion on the moratorium on
the planting and growing of genetically modified alfalfa in Canada was tabled
in Canadian Parliament by Liberal members of the House of Commons Agriculture
Committee.
That motion was left unaddressed as pro-GM Stephen
Harper dissolved Parliament ahead of the federal election in May 2011.
Wisconsin-based Forage Genetics
International is now selling the seeds for "demonstration plots" of GM alfalfa being grown in Ontario and Quebec. It is also moving full speed ahead with its "co-existence plan," which would pave the way for the the wide-scale commercial sale and
growth of GM alfalfa in Canada.
Ontario and Quebec have
been chosen as the introduction points for genetically modified alfalfa because
farmers in Western Canada have already rejected GM alfalfa.
National Farmers Union protests against GM alfalfa are ongoing in Canada.
On April 9, 2013, protests were held outside
MP offices across the country opposing the commercial sale and growth of GM
alfalfa in Canada.
Forage Seed Canada, an umbrella group representing provincial forage seed associations, is seeking allies to help block
Roundup Ready alfalfa from commercial Canadian production.
A Moratorium on GM Alfalfa in Canada
We, as concerned citizens, are calling on our
elected officials to do the responsible thing with untested, unproven GM
alfalfa. We are calling for an immediate moratorium on the sale, planting, and
growth of genetically modified alfalfa in Canada. We are asking for its sale
and growth to be blocked in Ontario and Quebec, as well as in the rest of
Canada.
We are also calling for additional long-term animal
feeding trials to be conducted on genetically modified alfalfa and glyphosate
exposure by independent scientific bodies unaffiliated with and unfunded by GM corporations
such as Monsanto, Bayer, Syngenta, BASF, Dow, and DuPont.
From April 19, 2019: Uranus in Taurus, Bankrupting Bayer-Monsanto, and Unexpected Economic Justice for Corporate Violence
From February 3, 2018: Stop Bayer-Monsanto's Crimes Against Humanity, Animals, and the Environment!
From April 13, 2017: Pluto Stationing Retrograde in Capricorn: From Millions Against Monsanto to Billions Against Bayer
From November 11, 2010: Pluto Conjunct the North Node with Ceres in the Mix and Food as Ammo
All Willow's Web Astrology articles on genetically modified organisms
All Willow's Web Astrology articles on Bayer-Monsanto
