My MP is doing his work on GMOs. How about yours? Dear Julie, Thank you for your email on genetically modified (GM) alfalfa. As your Member of Parliament, please be assured that I share your concerns on this important issue. This past week I was privileged to present a petition with over 1000 signatures gathered by The Big Carrot Natural Food Market in Toronto-Danforth calling for a moratorium on the release of genetically modified alfalfa in order to allow proper review of the impact on farmers in Canada and to protect family farms. Read more here: craigscott.ndp.ca/post/craig-presents-petition-on-gm-alfalfa-moratorium This past April 9th, 2013, New Democrats from across the country participated in a collective day of action against the introduction of genetically modified alfalfa into Canada and called for a moratorium on this product until adequate impact studies are done, particularly in regards to possible economic impacts and the threat this could pose to the livelihoods of both conventional and organic farmers. The government has already approved GM alfalfa on health and environment grounds and now, as a final step, the company must register its varieties with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA). Forage Genetics International was planning on releasing GM alfalfa in Ontario but thanks to a strong and unified voice of protest, they have backed off for now. Just prior to the last election, the Conservatives and Liberals joined together to block NDP legislation that would have required an adequate analysis on economic impacts of new GM seeds, which could have unintended impacts on major export markets and our thriving organics sector. As alfalfa is a high protein feed for dairy cows, beef cattle, sheep, poultry and pigs, it is a particularly valuable crop to organic farmers who use it to to build nutrients and organic matter in the soil. Given alfalfa`s unique characteristics as a perennial crop pollinated by bees, it is not clear that GM varieties could be easily contained to prevent cross-contamination. This poses a serious threat to farmers if markets are closed to them because of consumer rejection. Producers have been clear that they do not want or need this product. It is incomprehensible that the Harper Conservatives would allow Monsanto to genetically alter a crop that serves farmers perfectly well already. This government cannot simply ignore the concerns of farmers and consumers. Going forward, New Democrats will continue to take every opportunity to initiate a public discussion around GM alfalfa and to use a precautionary approach to this important issue. Again, I appreciate hearing from you. All best, Craig Scott, MP Toronto-Danforth
Posted on: Wed, 19 Jun 2013 20:33:17 +0000