Chairwoman Stabenow Endorses USDA Move to Deregulate Roundup Ready Alfalfa

Chairwoman Stabenow Endorses USDA Move to Deregulate Roundup Ready Alfalfa

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow, D-Mich., Chairwoman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry, expressed support for the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s decision today to deregulate Roundup Ready alfalfa, but cautioned that flaws in the current biotechnology regulatory system, caused by multiple lawsuits, must be addressed to provide certainty for industry investors, farmers and consumers.

“I applaud the USDA’s decision to deregulate Roundup Ready alfalfa, giving growers the green light to begin planting an abundant, affordable and safe crop,” Stabenow said. “While I’m glad this decision was guided by sound science, I’m concerned that USDA’s process creates too much uncertainty for our growers. Alfalfa was one of nearly two dozen genetically modified crops awaiting USDA evaluation and approval – a bottlenecked process that hinders growth and progress.

“As incoming Chairwoman of the Senate Agriculture Committee, I’m committed to working with the USDA and stakeholders so that the system promotes safety, certainty, and efficiency. In the coming months, I will examine how we can promote a properly functioning, science-based system that promotes industry investment, growth and job creation while ensuring that consumers can count on safe and affordable products.”