Urgent Appeal to Premier on GE Alfalfa

On Wednesday, April 6th, the new OCO board sent an urgent request to Premier Wynne, Minister Leal and Minister Murray (Environment and Climate Change) to appeal to the federal government to de-register GE Alfalfa.  Reports that a limited amount of GE alfalfa seed was sold this spring by Forage Genetics International in Eastern Canada prompted the letter.  The letter highlights the important role that alfalfa plays in organic dairy and livestock production, not to mention its use as a cover crop in mixed operations.  The letter also highlights the risk to the alfalfa and forage export industry, which stands to lose its markets in China and the US.  The letter was endorsed by the Canadian Organic Trade Association, the Canadian Organic Growers, the Ecological Farmers Association of Ontario and the National Farmers Union of Ontario. We encourage OCO members to send their own letters to the Premier and Ministers using the following link: premier@ontario.ca.