The following information has been provided by the Canadian Organic Trade Association.

The Motion:

That the Standing Committee on Agriculture & Agri-food recommend that the government place a moratorium on any approval of Roundup Ready Alfalfa until the Government completes public research:

(a) into Canada’s ability to ensure the genetic integrity, production and preservation of a diversity of genetically modified organisms (GMOs), non-GMO and organic alfalfa production;

(b) the ability of Canada’s handling and transportation system to ensure segregation of forage seeds and detection of genetic co-mingling in alfalfa seeds and hay;

(c) the development of industry-led, third party audit and verification systems;

(d) that these findings be reported back to the Committee; and

(e) that this motion be reported to the House.

The timeline:

The committee could consider the motion as early as tomorrow: Thursday, March 10, 2011 at 11:30 AM eastern time.

(An information session and debate is also scheduled in Guelph, ON, tomorrow evening, more information is here. )

The issue:

If the motion is passed, it would require the Government of Canada to conduct public research into the impact the introduction of GMO alfalfa would have on an economic and ecological level. More importantly, it calls for more research into the impact on biodiversity; an assessment of potential harm to export markets; Canada’s ability in handling and preventing commingling; a development of an industry-led, third party audit and verification systems; and that these findings be referred to government policymakers.

Canada Organic Trade Association is urging you to take a stand and support the Moratorium on Genetically Engineered Alfalfa. We believe this is a pragmatic approach to the issue, and is in the best interest of all members of the diverse Canadian agricultural sector.

Without this moratorium and a proper impact assessment, COTA believes that GE contamination will occur and that it will result in significant economic harm to both the alfalfa seed and forage markets (domestic and export) and to the organic industry as a whole. Following the Triffid flax contamination, organic farmers, handlers and shippers have had to bear the private cost of genetic testing, loss of organic designation, rejected shipments and having to accept full liability for any market recall of final product in foreign markets. Lets not let Triffid flax happen again—we need basic safeguards in place that will ensure contamination will be contained, and our current domestic and export markets protected.

Take action TODAY!

Write the Committee members and let them know your perspective on this issue!

Below are the contacts of the members of the Committee, as well as the Clerk to the Committee. When writing to the Committee members, please be sure to identify yourself, your farm or business, your location in Canada and other contact information if possible. Please copy all members, and in particular your MP if any of you are from their home ridings. Please feel free to copy me on the correspondence ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ) should you wish to.

House Standing Committee on Agriculture, 40th Parliament

Chair

Larry Miller This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Vice Chair

Andre Bellavance This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Mark Eyken This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Members

Alex Atamentko This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Randy Hoback This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

France Bonsand This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Pierre Lemieux This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Brian Storseth This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Wayne Easter This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Blake Richards This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Francis Valeriote This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Clerk

David Andres Novoa This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it