The American people are concerned about the possibility that the USDA is going to grant permission for Monsanto's genetically modified alfalfa to be grown in the U.S. without assuring us that the GMO product will not spread uncontrollably, and thus contaminate other natural crops.
We think that the decision-making process has been rushed, and that approval could happen without sufficient research being done on the risk this alfalfa poses to organic and other non-genetically-modified crops.
Should the USDA Approve Monsanto's genetically modified (GMO) Roundup Ready alfalfa for planting in the U.S. without further study, it would present a real danger of contaminating other organic and non-GMO alfalfa.
Please consider this. Alfalfa is a staple food for cattle and for organic certifications of dairy products and beef. Therefore these other foods would also be affected, as would the livelihoods of the organic farmers and ranchers who produce them.
Most of us think it’s the same mistake we made with deep water drilling in the Gulf of Mexico. We permitted a weakly regulated industry to call the shots in a very risky and poorly planned project. Insufficient study was done on potential dangers. BP and Halliburton were motivated by self-interest and corporate greed. This was a preventable tragedy. In retrospect, we all KNOW that now. Wouldn’t we all look stupid if we made the same mistake again?
The oil industry has shown the American people that it is only out for profit, and cares nothing about the damage it does to our environment. It’s exactly the same with Monsanto. Roundup Ready alfalfa could be a tragedy far worse than the recent oil spill. The sea has begun to heal itself, but plant contamination will be with us forever, season after season. It will not go away, as some of the spilled oil has. It will grow and spread, and once it starts to spread, there will be no way to reverse the process. It’s another case of a big corporation letting greed be its guide. Please don’t let it happen AGAIN.
The American people deserve a response from you concerning the points we’ve raised. We expect to hear your response on the evening news, Mr. Secretary. Better yet, talk to Rachel, Ed, Chris, Dylan or Lawrence at MSNBC. Maybe one of them will give you some airtime. The American people really must be fully informed. You owe it to us.