The importance of alfalfa and how to take action

At Eatmore Sprouts and Greens we are deeply concerned about the threat of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) on the future of sustainable farming.  As a certified organic producer of food we are committed to educating the public about the status of GMOs in Canada and beyond.

There are many groups working to achieve this goal.  One such organization is the Canadian Biotechnology Action Network (CBAN) who just released a fun and informative video educating consumers about the threat of genetically modified (GM) alfalfa to the future of sustainable farming.  Below is information taken from CBAN’s website explaining what alfalfa is and why it is so important to farming, food and the future.  Enjoy the video, learn more about GM alfalfa and how you can take action to stop it in Canada.

GM Alfalfa Threatens Organic Food and Farmers

Genetically engineered (also called genetically modified or GM) alfalfa will quickly contaminate organic alfalfa and impact the entire organic food and farming system in Canada and the U.S.. Many different types of farmers plant alfalfa to improve soil fertility to grow other food crops. And alfalfa is an important food for organic dairy cows and other farm animals.  If GM alfalfa contaminates hay fields, what will organic farmers feed their animals?

What is Alfalfa?

Alfalfa is Hay: Alfalfa is most often harvested as hay. The hay bales we see across our rural landscape are often made from alfalfa and other grasses.

Alfalfa is a Perennial: Alfalfa is a deep-rooted perennial crop. Perennial means that the plant survives for more than one year and actually lives under the soil to regrow for many seasons. This means that GM alfalfa will be very hard for farmers to get rid of.

Alfalfa is Pollinated by Bees: Alfalfa is insect-pollinated which means that insects collect the pollen and distribute it to other individual plants. Alfalfa flowers depend entirely on insects, mainly leafcutter bees, for cross-pollination. This means that GM alfalfa will quickly contaminate farmers’ fields.

Alfalfa is an Unsung Hero: Alfalfa is one of the most widely planted crops in Canada. By area, it is the third largest crop in Canada. 4.5 million hectares are in production, mostly in the three Prairie provinces (75%) and 20% in Ontario and Quebec.

Why is Alfalfa so Important ?

Alfalfa is Animal Food: Alfalfa is used as food (mostly hay) and pasture for grazing animals like dairy cows and beef cattle as well as for lambs, pigs and even honeybees and horses. Alfalfa is important high protein feed for animals.

Alfalfa Builds the Soil: Instead of using chemical fertilizers, farmers plant alfalfa to build soil nutrients. Alfalfa is the most important nitrogen-fixing perennial crop. Alfalfa improves soil quality and fertility, and helps stop soil erosion.

Alfalfa controls weeds: Because it is a perennial, alfalfa can help suppress many weeds.

Alfalfa products are important exports: While alfalfa is primarily cut for hay, it’s also grown to produce seeds as well as dehydrated alfalfa products such as pellets and cubes, exported to livestock producers in other countries like Japan. Canada is the world’s largest exporter of alfalfa pellets and cubes.