Glyphosate-tolerant (GT) Alfalfa or Roundup-Ready Alfalfa (RRA) was apporved for planting in the US in February, 2011. RRA is a genetically engineered variety of alfalfa, which can be used safely in combination with the herbicide 'glyphosate' (Roundup). RRA was originally deregulated and commercialized in 2005 but then a lawsuit in 2007 rescinded the deregulation, halting further plantings. The USDA-APHIS subsequently conducted an exhaustive Environmental Impact Statement from 2007-2011, and came to the conclusion that GT alfalfa did not present and direct or indirect plant pest risks. There are a range of varieties currently available for planting. See several publications below. Click here for a listing of UC alfalfa publications on biotechnology and related topics.

Roundup Ready Alfalfa: An Emerging Technology (2004)

Avoiding Weed Shifts and Weed Resistance in RR Alfalfa Systems (2009)

Methods to Enable Coexistence of Diverse Production Systems Involving Genetically Engineered Alfalfa (2006)

Is it Possible for GE and non-GE alfalfa to co-exist? (2007)

Gene Flow in Alfalfa: Biology, Mitigation, and Potential Impact on Production? (2008)

Biotechnology 101: What You Need to Know in a Few Minutes (2004)

- Powerpoint

What we have learned from 2 years of Roundup Ready alfalfa? (2007)

Coexistence for Organic Alfalfa Seed and Hay Markets (2008)

Coexistence for Alfalfa Hay Export Markets (2008)

Coexistence for Alfalfa Seed Export Markets (2008)

Winter Survival, Fall Dormancy, and Pest Resistance Ratings for Alfalfa Varieties (2011)

Questions and Answers:Roundup Ready Alfalfa Deregulation (2011)