NaturalSociety Exclusive: Letter Shows Monsanto Planted GMOs Before USDA Approval
By: Cassandra Anderson & Anthony Gucciardi
Did Monsanto actually plant genetically modified alfalfa before it was deregulated by the USDA? There is some shocking evidence that, until recently, was withheld from the public 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 NaturalSociety 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.
Amazingly, the letter actually proves that the USDA was fully aware of the situation. In order to fully understand the intricate details of this event, it is first important to understand a few key factors regarding alfalfa and its connection to the entire food supply.
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. Interestingly, the modified alfalfa — created by Monsanto in partner with a group known as Forage Genetics — was the first perennial plant to be deregulated for open planting by the USDA. But did Monsanto unleash the plant before this occurred?
This is very serious because it is only a matter of time before alfalfa across America could be corrupted with Monsanto’s patented genetically modified trait. Organic meat and dairy could be tainted when animals are fed the modified alfalfa as well, threatening the very integrity of the organic food supply. What’s more, the contamination of natural alfalfa could be nearly impossible — if not entirely impossible — to remedy, so it could actually fracture the genetic stability of the entire crop on a global scale.
Shocking Letter Reveals Monsanto’s Contamination Dates Back 2 Years Before Deregulation
A letter from Cal/West Seeds shows that evidence of contamination was withheld and the USDA turned a blind eye to proof of contamination in 2005 which shows it was planted at least two years before it was initially deregulated in 2005. As you can see for yourself, the official letter states:
We first discovered the unintended presence of the Roundup Ready gene in our conventional alfalfa seeds in 2005. It was identified in one of our foundation seed production lots grown in California. We tested the foundation seed lot priot to shipping it to a producer who intended to plant it for organic seed production.
In another telling segment, the author writes:
We detected the presence of the … Roundup Ready gene in both our foundation seed and certified seed prior to deregulation.
In order to protect the safety of the individual, some further contents cannot be divulged. Remember in the past, those who have stood up against Monsanto have received anonymous death threats — in one case, the threats were directed towards a mother and her children.
This video documents the timeline of events that led to the deregulation of Monsanto & Forage Genetics’ GMO alfalfa that is contaminating natural alfalfa. As the video explains, the lawyers representing the farmers against Monsanto failed to hold an evidentiary hearing so the injunction (ban) against planting GMO alfalfa was removed and the case was sent back to the lower district court. The lawyers pursued no further action on this case.
Contamination levels are still very low, but will undoubtedly increase over time with unexpected results (like superweeds), so stopping the further planting of GM plants like alfalfa is of high concern. Furthermore, it would set a precedent for banning other GMO perennial plants as well — a monumental move in the legislative fight against GMOs. This letter, compounded with the other evidence presented in this article, is paramount in displaying just how serious of an issue genetic contamination is. What’s more, the USDA appears to have known the entire time. It’s time to spread the word.
Additional Sources:
This is huge…
I have seen bigger drift to the wayside, good resourceful people would aid in this NOT happening.Remember those ignorant of such things have very short attentions spans, so to much technical info, their brain shuts down.
Needs a quick punch, that or Jouwsey Shouws Snookie worked into the storyline.
Great work Cassandra and Anthony, the problem as I see it in the US is that the whole regulatory process right through to the judiciary is rigged. It makes a mockery of both the law and of independent, ethical science, not to mention governance itself. The implications for the planetary ecosystem are dire. Right now it looks as though the only way Monsanto and the US criminal cabal can be brought to book will be through the international courts. To that end, I recommend the approach advocated by English environmental lawyer Polly Higgins in her 2010 book, Eradicating Ecocide http://www.pollyhiggins.com/Polly_Higgins/Welcome…
They could conceivably poison the whole damned population then sa oops SORRY BOUT THAT fines are jokes. Prison terms for life, and bans on all GMO crops is what we need. I'd rather starve than trust these bozoos
Monsanto are patent terrorists and to be honest, I don't think I've ever heard about a more morally bankrupt and unethical corporation in my life. Each member of their board belongs in a prison cell. I'm actually surprised that any human being would behave in such a way, never mind a whole giant corporation of people. I can only assume every member of staff and exec at Monsanto must use INSANE rationalizing and capitalist justifications, or just plain old denial and ignorance to appease their conscious so they can sleep at night. SHAME ON YOU Monsanto – And ANYONE who works for them, even if your just a part-time cleaner. ANYONE who works for Monsanto is scum in my opinion.
Global March Against Monsanto – Saturday, May 24, 2014.
Google it to find the event near you and Join millions worldwide marching to take back our food!!
It was only released as a field variety test trial to see how it yields and how it responds to various soil types compared to other varieties of alfalfa. Keep in mind that if it did not yield better than it’s Non GMO counterparts it would not have good sales.