Monsanto Canada Inc. and Forage Genetics International LLC have jointly developed Roundup Ready® alfalfa for use in the commercial production of forage for livestock feed. This product has the capacity to withstand the application of Roundup® herbicide, which would enable alfalfa producers to suppress or control weeds.
In 2005, Roundup Ready® alfalfa underwent livestock feed, environmental safety and food assessments conducted by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and HC.
As part of this process, Monsanto Canada Inc. and Forage Genetics International LLC provided extensive data and related scientific literature for review by scientists at the CFIA and HC. The submitted data included a detailed description of how Roundup Ready® alfalfa was developed and how the tolerance to Roundup® occurred in the plant. Roundup Ready® alfalfa was field tested in Canada under strictly controlled conditions in Manitoba and Ontario. These field trials provided essential data required for the safety assessments. Field trial data confirmed that Roundup Ready® alfalfa behaved no differently than conventional alfalfa.
The CFIA’s environmental safety assessment concluded that Roundup Ready® alfalfa does not pose any safety risks to the environment. The assessment also concluded that Roundup Ready® alfalfa has no detrimental effect on bees, other insects or other plants. The livestock feed safety assessment determined that Roundup Ready® alfalfa is nutritionally equivalent to conventional alfalfa and similar to commercial varieties grown in North America. Further, the analysis showed that no new toxins or allergens were present. HC conducted a similar analysis and determined that food from Roundup Ready® alfalfa poses no risk to human health.
In 2013, Gold Medal Seeds Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Forage Genetics International LLC, submitted an application for variety registration to the CFIA. The application was assessed and the variety was registered on April 26, 2013. Variety registration enables Roundup Ready® alfalfa seed to be commercially sold in Canada.
To read the complete CFIA News Release, click here.
June 10, 2013