GM alfalfa seeds subject of letter to Minister of Agriculture

Apr 22, 2016

15 farm organizations attach their names to the cause

By Diego Flammini
Assistant Editor, North American Content
Farms.com

A letter signed by 15 farm organizations across Canada is asking Minister of Agriculture Lawrence MacAulay to stop the release of genetically modified alfalfa seeds.

“Any commercial release of GM alfalfa seeds will result in unavoidable contamination, with a range of devastating impacts on a wide range of farmers, commodity sectors and food production businesses in Canada, both conventional and organic,” the letter reads.

Alfalfa seed

Heather Kerschbaumer from Forage Seed Canada told the National Farmers Union (NFU) that introducing GM alfalfa could result in a loss of export markets and Lisa Mumm, a board member of the Canada Organic Trade Association told NFU that Canada’s organic sector could be harmed.

All three organizations have their names attached to the letter, which outlines for the agriculture minister.

Firstly, the group is asking Minister MacAulay to stop any further commercial release of GM alfalfa seeds by removing variety registration for all varieties until an economic impact assessment can be completed.

The group cites a plan developed by the Canadian Seed Trade Association which they “have no confidence in.”

The second request is to establish a protocol for testing all alfalfa seed imports from the United States.

Video: FLEECED! Sheep Shearer Hands Over Clippers!

It's sheep shearing day at Ewetopia Farms! ?? Our Dorset lambs and ewes are getting fleeced — and for the first time, our shearer hands over his clippers to a beginner. We finish shearing the last of our adult ewes and this year’s Dorset ewe lambs.

From moving the sheep between barns, loading them into chutes, and watching the wool come off, this is always one of the most satisfying days on the farm. But this video has a twist — we welcomed a new helper, Gian, who’s not only lending a hand but also learning how to shear! With guidance from our experienced shearer, he got a crash course in sheep shearing and even tried his hand at shearing a couple of lambs himself.

You’ll see firsthand how both teacher and student handled this unique challenge. Shearing is more than just removing wool — it’s about sheep health, comfort, and giving us a closer look at the flock. It’s always amazing to see the transformation from woolly sheep to freshly shorn ewes and lambs.