Lawmakers take issue with USDA's restrictions on planting sites for genetically modified alfalfa

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack's move to restrict where genetically modified alfalfa can be grown drew criticism from the House Agriculture Committee Thursday. The panel's chairman, Oklahoma Republican Rep. Frank Lucas, said the proposed restrictions would set a bad precedent and "shift the financial burden from those who choose to produce organic to other producers who choose a different cropping system," Philip Brasher of the Des Moines Register reports. Vilsack told the committee that the alfalfa was safe but the planting restrictions may be needed to protect nonbiotech farmers.

"A decision on planting rules could come next week," Brasher writes. "Vilsack said the proposed rules would essentially ban the use of the biotech alfalfa seed in some parts of the nation." The biotech industry claims the restrictions would slow development and commercialization of new biotech crops. "This is not picking sides," Vilsack said. "This is trying to figure out how we can have all sides of agriculture be able to prosper in this country." Vilsack said the industry could be helped by compromising on a policy with organic and nonbiotech farmers that would prevent endless litigation. (Read more)