Genetically Engineered Alfalfa Status |
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In 2005, USDA deregulated alfalfa genetically engineered to resist the herbicide Roundup. A lawsuit challenging USDA's decision was subsequently filed. As a result, several actions have been taken by the court and APHIS. This page describes the most recent action in the Roundup Ready alfalfa case, as well as provides the history and associated documents.
On July 23, 2007 the California District Court issued an Amended Order on its May 3, 2007 Permanent Injunction regarding the court's ruling in February 2007 to vacate APHIS’ 2005 decision to deregulate Monsanto's genetically engineered (GE) Roundup Ready alfalfa. The order describes details on how growers and distributors will store GE alfalfa, label containers, and clean equipment. It also describes how APHIS will manage the disclosure of location data. The July 23 Amended Order is the final order that will be enforced by the court.
On December 18, 2007, APHIS issued a supplemental administrative order which clarifies and replaces the July 12, 2007 Administrative Order. The revised order specifies mandatory practices that must be implemented by Roundup Ready alfalfa producers.
On September 2, 2008 the Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco, CA upheld March 30, 2007 decision to halt the selling and planting of seed for the Monsanto Company's line of alfalfa genetically engineered to resist the herbicide Roundup pending the completion of an environmental impact statement (EIS).
View further history of the court's decisions in the Roundup Ready alfalfa case
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USDA is providing a list of states and counties in which Roundup Ready alfalfa is grown as part of a court order which vacated USDA’s 2005 decision to deregulate Roundup Ready alfalfa.
View a list of Roundup Ready alfalfa locations in the United States
APHIS has also made available a toll-free telephone number for use by conventional and organic alfalfa farmers and prospective alfalfa farmers to inquire about the proximity of their farms or fields to Roundup Ready alfalfa. This action is being taken in compliance with a judgment and order by the U.S. District Court in California.
Callers must comply with the following two requirements:
- Callers must be a person who either currently plants conventional or organic alfalfa or plans to do so.
- Callers must be ready to provide the operator with either the latitude and longitude coordinates or the mailing address of their farm or field where the alfalfa is or will be grown.
Other types of location information cannot be accepted, and only one location from each caller per phone call will be accepted.
Call 1- 866-724‑6408 for more details on GE alfalfa locations.
An operator will be available from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. eastern time, Monday through Friday (except holidays).
Genetically Engineered Alfalfa Environmental Impact Statement |
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In 2007, APHIS began the process of developing an environmental impact statement (EIS) to evaluate the potential impacts of Roundup Ready alfalfa on the environment.
Genetically Engineered Alfalfa History |
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Learn about the APHIS deregulation and court ruling history associated with Roundup Ready alfalfa.
Alfalfa Associated Documents |
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View the documents associated with the Roundup Ready alfalfa case.
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ISO 9001:2000
FM 535173