USDA Seeks Comment on Environmental Impact Statement for GM Alfalfa

Granting non-regulated status to two genetically modified, herbicide-tolerant alfalfa lines "will not result in significant impacts" to the environment, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) said in a draft environmental impact statement (EIS) that evaluates the potential impacts of deregulating Monsanto's Roundup Ready alfalfa. APHIS is now seeking public comment on the draft EIS before making a final decision.

The Agency had previously deregulated the GM alfalfa lines in 2005. In 2007, however, a California Court ruled that APHIS failed to adequately consider certain environmental and economic impacts as required by the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). The Court vacated APHIS' decision to grant non-regulated status. The court did not overturn APHIS' 2005 conclusions regarding the safety of the RR alfalfa for food and feed purposes.

If granted a non-regulated status, the GM alfalfa lines can be freely moved and planted without the requirement of permits or other regulatory oversight by APHIS. APHIS said that it will consider all comments submitted before making a decision.

Comments can be submitted before February 16, 2010 at http://www.regulations.gov/fdmspublic/component/main?main=DocketDetail&d=APHIS-2007-0044 Read http://www.aphis.usda.gov/newsroom/content/2009/12/alfalfa.shtml for more information.