According to the Organic Seed Alliance:
USDA just announced its decision to fully deregulate (approve for sale and planting) Roundup Ready alfalfa with zero protections for organic farmers and no mechanism for compensation and remediation in cases of contamination.
Since alfalfa is insect pollinated, this virtually assures the end of organic alfalfa. Organic alfalfa is the most important component of the organic dairy industry. The effects of this ruling could be catastrophic. Either organic alfalfa begins to disappear as it is contaminated or the National Organic Program rules preventing the use of genetically modified organisms will have to be changed.
Reasons for this ruling may be found in a post by the Organic Consumer's Association:
The Organic Inc. CEOs are tired of activist pressure, boycotts, and petitions. Several of them have told me this to my face. They apparently believe that the battle against GMOs has been lost, and that it's time to reach for the consolation prize.
More as the story unfolds....