USDA - APHIS - Biotechnology

Roundup Ready Alfalfa Environmental Impact Statement (EIS)

Alfalfa EIS Purpose
In response to a court order, APHIS is developing an environmental impact statement (EIS) to evaluate the potential impacts of Roundup Ready alfalfa on the environment.

Alfalfa EIS Status
APHIS currently anticipates releasing the draft EIS later this year for public comment. Completing the draft EIS is a high priority for USDA, and we are mindful of the impacts that the timing of our process could have on alfalfa producers.

On April 6, 2009, APHIS began distributing postcards to the public who commented on the scoping notice, asking if they would like a copy of the draft EIS when it is published.

You may add your name to the distribution list to receive an electronic copy of the EIS on CD. This distribution list, including the names and addresses of recipients, will be part of the published EIS. If interested, please reserve your CD copy by May 15, 2009 by providing your name and mailing address to:

Cynthia Eck, USDA-APHIS-BRS, Unit 147, 4700 River Road, Riverdale, MD 20737
OR email: BiotechQuery@aphis.usda.gov

Please mention “Docket Number 2007-0044-0003” in your letter or email subject line.

When the draft EIS is complete, APHIS will publish a notice in the Federal Register announcing its availability for public comment. At that time, you may view, download, and print a PDF version of the draft EIS from our website.

After the public comment period closes, USDA will use the comments it receives to develop a final EIS and make its determination. The timing of USDA's decision will be based upon completing the plant pest risk assessment, draft and final EIS, and responding to public comment on the draft EIS. Only after the completion of these steps will USDA issue a Record of Decision. USDA's final decision regarding the regulated status of Roundup Ready alfalfa will become effective 30 days following the publication of the Agency's decision.

USDA remains committed to operating in a fully transparent manner and will continue to provide updates on major activities related to this EIS via our website, quarterly newsletter, and public announcements.

Alfalfa EIS Process
APHIS began the EIS process with the issuance of a Scoping Notice of Intent (NOI) that informed the public and sought comments on 18 broad areas and three "Action" alternatives the Agency intends to analyze. The information collected during this scoping process is being used to develop a draft EIS. A summary of the issues raised in the NOI will be subsequently published in the draft EIS. Upon completion, the draft EIS will be made available for public review and comment. Any issues raised during this process will be reviewed and analyzed before APHIS moves forward in preparing a final EIS. A decision on the regulated status of Roundup Ready Alfalfa will published after the publication of the final EIS.

Public Participation
The first opportunity for public comment was in January 2008, when APHIS issued a Scoping NOI. The next opportunity for public comment will be when APHIS publishes its draft EIS. All public involvement opportunities will be announced in a Federal Register notice.