Herbicide resistant alfalfa a game changer

This spring, something new will be planted in the fields of Ontario that will change the organic food section forever.

Herbicide resistant alfalfa was approved for use last fall for the following planting season under a plan of “coexistence.” The concept of coexistence is flawed and impossible because alfalfa, like so many other crops, is bee pollinated.

The seed producer will probably take several farmers to court for copyright infringement after a season or two. The Supreme Court of Canada may have to rule in favour of the seed producer in accordance with the precedent set in the 2004 case of Monsanto Canada Inc. vs. Schmeiser, which guarantees the rights of the patent holder over the farmer.

Alfalfa plays a pivotal role in crop rotation be- cause it a long-rooted perennial that fixes nitrogen. Therefore, for farmers to be certified as organic they would have to ensure they follow a particular process from start to finish, which includes no genetically modified organisms.

Herbicide resistant alfalfa would affect all organic grains grown in North America, along with all organic meat, fish, poultry and dairy, which are fed the grain or alfalfa hay.

The New Democratic Party supports the right for consumers to purchase organic products and the right for farmers to use ecologically sustainable practices. Shayne Sangster President, Kitchener Centre NDP Kitchener