US - Conventional and organic farmers who raise alfalfa can determine
if there are nearby fields of genetically engineered (GE) alfalfa by
contacting a toll-free hotline offered by the United States Department of
Agriculture.
Alfalfa, genetically engineered to resist the herbicide Roundup, has
been available in the United States since 2005. As a result of a recent
lawsuit, the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has
been directed to restrict and regulate the use of Roundup Ready alfalfa.

?As a perennial crop that is insect pollinated, GE alfalfa presents
much greater risk of contamination of conventional plantings than other
crops? said Laura Paine, organic agriculture specialist with the Wisconsin
Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection. ?This ruling puts
in place some protections for organic farmers and others who wish to avoid
growing genetically engineered crops.?

The National Organic Program prohibits use of GE plants and animals
and the contamination of organic crops by GE crops is an issue of concern
within the organic community. The new ruling recognizes the long-term
challenges that may be created for non-GE alfalfa growers and seed producers
if this technology were widely adopted.

The court order describes how growers and distributors must store GE
alfalfa, label containers and clean equipment. The order applies to all
Roundup Ready alfalfa planted between June 14, 2005, and March 30. Details
on the court order are available on the USDA APHIS Web site at
[www.aphis.usda.gov].

APHIS has also made available a toll-free telephone number for use by
conventional, 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.

According to the APHIS Web site, GE alfalfa is being grown in 58
Wisconsin counties. Location information can be accessed by calling
1-866-724-6408. The line is staffed from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern Standard
Time, Monday through Friday (except holidays).

To receive information, a caller must be a person who either currently
plants conventional or organic alfalfa or plans to do so, and 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.

For more information on GE alfalfa, visit the USDA APHIS Web site at
[www.aphis.usda.gov].