Information on GE Alfalfa

Since the USDA, on January 28^th, approved the use of genetically

engineered (GE) Roundup Ready (RR) alfalfa there’s been quite a bit of discussion going on in the media. In Mendocino and Lake Counties we grow very little alfalfa as it is much easier to grow clover/grass hay over a monoculture crop. Also, nutritionally, our livestock producers that feed hay generally can do well with our clover/grass version as it provides all that’s needed for range livestock production. That said, with the irrigation systems in place on some of our former pear acreages, alfalfa production is possible and could certainly be profitable. Certainly, weed-free organic alfalfa would be even more profitable to a hay producer as very little is produced.

Of course, many believe that because alfalfa is insect pollinated, cross-pollination and contamination of non-GE alfalfa could result — some say “inevitable”. Since most of Mendocino County is GMO-free (city limits, Rancherias and State lands are exempt) there is still fear that potential alfalfa producers outside the county boundaries or in adjoining counties, could start growing RR alfalfa and impact those potential alfalfa producers who want to grow conventional alfalfa, organic or otherwise.

In response to some to these concerns, UCCE Agronomy Specialist, Dr. Dan Putnam, has written several publications that will assist those interested to understand the risks and science. They are available for free in pdf format. The first entitled Methods to Enable Coexistence of Diverse Production Systems Involving Genetically Engineered Alfalfa can be downloaded at http://ucanr.org/freepubs/docs/8193.pdf. In addition to explaining the risks of cross-pollination, Dan provides information for testing hay to determine if it is genetically engineered. Livestock producers targeting our local or niche markets should download this publication just for that information alone. A second publication co-authored by Dan and several other UC scientists is entitled Roundup Ready Alfalfa: An Emerging Technology. It can be downloaded at http://ucanr.org/freepubs/docs/8153.pdf and it discusses further pros and cons. The third publication is entitled Avoiding Weed Shifts and Weed Resistance in Roundup Ready Alfalfa Systems and it can be downloaded at http://ucanr.org/freepubs/docs/8362.pdf and provides a thorough explanation of the risks of weed resistance.