Recently evidence has surfaced showing that Monsanto’s genetically altered alfalfa may have been set free in 2003 — a full two years or more before it was deregulated in 2005. In a letter, obtained by Natural Society with permission to post for public viewing, it becomes clear that the USDA may have turned a blind eye to the entire situation, allowing widespread GMO contamination of GMO-free crops.
Alfalfa is a perennial plant that grows for more than 2 years and may not need to be replanted each year like annuals. Because it is a perennial plant, it is exceptionally vulnerable to contamination. This GMO alfalfa could contaminate crops around America very quickly. This could threaten the integrity of organic products as meat and dairy could be easily contaminated.
A letter from Cal/West Seeds to the USDA states they found the Round-Up ready gene in their seeds in 2005, meaning the seeds were released in 2003. The USDA turned a blind eye to this letter and this information was withheld from the public.
In 2010 the USDA released a Final Environmental Impact Statement which acknowledged their full awareness of the GMO alfalfa spreading its traits to non-GMO alfalfa as far back as 2003. Not only was the USDA aware of the scandal but the agency also deregulated GM alfalfa with full awareness of its environmental dangers and contamination issues.
Title: “Widespread Gmo Contamination: Did Monsanto Plant GMOs Before USDA Approval?”
Authors: Cassandra Anderson and Anthony Gucciardi
Source: Global Research: May 04, 2012
Student Researcher: Adam Hotchkiss, Sonoma State University
Academic Evaluator: Greg Hicks, PhD. Professor of Health Sciences, Mendocino College