Coexistence and Market Assurance for Production of Non–Genetically Engineered Alfalfa Hay and Forage in a Biotech Era

Abstract

The introduction of genetically engineered (GE) alfalfa requires a mechanism for producers to successfully grow and market alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) hay destined for GE-sensitive markets such as organic and export. A process of coexistence includes elements of respect for diverse agricultural systems, improved communication, scientific knowledge, and market clarity. A definition for "non-GE alfalfa forage" is proposed, along with suggested production protocols. These protocols include securing non-GE-detect seed, steps to reduce the probability of gene flow in hay fields, equipment sanitation, hay-lot identification, and hay testing for low-level presence. The largest risk for low-level presence in hay is likely to originate from unwanted GE presence in the planting seed. Secondary risks include accidental mixing of hays during harvest or storage, followed by gene flow between forage fields. The tolerance for low-level presence in non-GE hay must meet specific market sensitivities. Promoting absolute zero GE hay (e.g., GMO free) is a practical and analytical impossibility, creates difficulties for farmers, and makes no sense for a nontoxic, unwanted market factor. Regulatory-based tolerances, driven largely by countries that do not permit a GE trait, may require non-GE determination to a limit of detection of approximately 0.1%. Market-based tolerance thresholds may differ greatly depending on the sensitivity of markets. For market purposes, a definition of non-GE alfalfa as having a low-level presence of less than 0.9% of dry matter is suggested. Coexistence strategies for alfalfa forage require an understanding of the sources of low-level presence, market tolerances of diverse markets, and market assurance processes.

Practices that Support Coexistence: A Survey of Alfalfa Growers

“…In 2013, nearly 22% of total respondents reported growing either genetically engineered hay (19%) or seed (3%). This is in line with adoption rates of 30% in 2014, as reported by Putnam et al (2016). We found that the number of seed producers who reported growing genetically engineered seed in 2013 did not differ by study area and ranged from 11 to 17%; across the three study areas; the majority of seed producers were producing conventional seed (Table 2).…”

“…The presence of different market classes and the need to support consumer preferences and farmer choice has brought the concept of agricultural coexistence to the forefront. For this paper we adopt the coexistence definition put forward by Putnam et al (2016): “Successful coexistence” is “the ability of diverse systems (GE [genetically engineered], organic, non‐GE) to thrive without undue influence of neighbors or resorting to extraordinary protection measures.”…”

Considerations for Managing Agricultural Co-Existence between Transgenic and Non-Transgenic Cultivars of Outcrossing Perennial Forage Plants in Dairy Pastures

“…The issues of the cost of real-time PCR based systems, which are the standard reference method for transgene detection, when used for routine field-based applications have been addressed in grain crops already through efficient sampling strategies [27][28][29] and through the development of other diagnostic tools such as semi-quantitative enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) (e.g., [29]) which have also been used to detect the presence of the CP4 EPSPS gene in GM bentgrass [30] and alfalfa [10], and through the use of plasmid DNA for the calibrated detection of specific transgenic events (e.g., [31,32]. More recently novel DNA amplification techniques such as recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) for the rapid point-of-use screening of transgenic soybean seeds [33] have been developed.…”

“…Along with these general guidelines a number of specific interventions have been proposed to facilitate the co-existence of GM and non-GM alfalfa hay crops [9,10]. These are also applicable to perennial forages grown for dairy grazing and include,…”

“…The National Alfalfa and Forage Alliance in the US has developed a set of guidelines for the co-existence of alfalfa seed crops [9], and the technical aspects of co-existence and market assurance for alfalfa hay and forage production in an era of biotech crops have been summarized by Putnam et al [10].…”