The USDA has published its draft environmental impact statement (EIS) for Roundup Ready® alfalfa and a preliminary conclusion that there is no significant impact on the human environment due to granting nonregulated status. This statement is now open to public comment for a limited time. The response is important to all of agricultural biotechnology.

We need your help today by sending a letter to USDA supporting farmers’ freedom to choose. It’s important for USDA to receive comments from growers and other members of the U.S. agricultural community who know the benefits of biotech crops.

If you are familiar with the public input process, you can comment on line at http://www.regulations.gov/search/Regs/home.html#submitComment?R=0900006480a6b7a1.

If you would like additional information about how to develop an effective comment and submit it, please visit http://support.roundupreadyalfalfa.com/.

Please act quickly, and be sure to mail any comments by the end of January. The comment period ends on Feb. 16 and USDA will not consider comments received after that date.

Benefits of Roundup Ready alfalfa include:
• Dependable, cost-effective weed control;
• Consistent, high-quality, weed-free hay;
• Improved production efficiencies;
• Increased dollar value for each ton of hay sold;
• Improved environmental characteristics; and
• Improved worker handling safety.

As you know, other biotech crops offer similar advantages, including reduced spraying of pesticides, better weed control and improved productivity and quality.

Background: USDA originally deregulated Roundup Ready® alfalfa in 2005. In 2007, a federal court determined USDA had not adequately documented environmental impacts or lack of impacts, and ordered the agency to conduct a more extensive analysis that led to the draft environmental impact statement. The lawsuit did not raise any questions regarding food or feed safety. The complete draft EIS can be reviewed on the Internet (PDF 6.5MB 1,476pp):
http://www.aphis.usda.gov/biotechnology/downloads/alfalfa/gealfalfa_deis.pdf.

If USDA’s preliminary conclusion is finalized after the public comment period, farmers will again have the choice of planting Roundup Ready® alfalfa.

Thank you for participating in the public comment process and supporting agricultural biotechnology.

Dear Friends

Since 2007, there has been a court ordered injunction prohibiting the planting of Roundup Ready Alfalfa. The U.S. Department of Agriculture has opened a public comment period allowing farmers and producers to express their thoughts on the value and benefit of this technology.

We have four requested action

1. As AFACT members, please show your commitment to technology and provide your thoughts on Roundup Ready Alfalfa to the USDA
2. Consider attending one of the USDA public hearings
3. Ask 5 - 10 other farmers to send their comments to USDA and attend the public hearing
4. Please invite those 5-10 farmers to join AFACT

How to provide Roundup Ready Alfalfa comments:
You may comment online using the USDA site or you may get help creating your letter at the Roundup Ready Alfalfa site.

What should I write?

It is best to provide your personal experiences on your farm with the use of biotechnology like modified corn, cotton, soybeans, sugar beets, etc. The Roundup Ready Alfalfa site has a downloadable “Tool Kit” with sample benefits of the technology, such as:

• Dependable and cost-effective control
• Improved efficiency of farming operation
• Economic benefits
• Consistent, high-quality, weed-free forage and hay
• Improved environmental quality
• Improved worker safety
• Response to opponents’ claims

How do I attend a public hearing of the USDA?
The USDA has scheduled public meetings to hear comments on this issue January 19, 2010 and on February 3, 4 and 9, 2010. Meetings will be held:

Tuesday, 1/19/2010 in Las Vegas, NV
Location: Golden Nugget Hotel, 129 Fremont St., Las Vegas, NV
Time: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. (local time)

Wednesday, 2/3/2010 in Kearney, NE
Location: Buffalo County Fairgrounds Exhibit Center, 3807 Avenue N., Kearney, NE
Time: 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. (local time)

Thursday, 2/4/2010 in Lincoln, NE
Location: Holiday Inn Haymarket, 141 North 9th Street, Lincoln, NE
Time: 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. (local time)

Tuesday, 2/9/2010 in Riverdale, MD
Location: USDA Center at Riverside, 4700 River Road, Riverdale, MD
Time: 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. (local time)

Registration for all meetings will take place 30 minutes before the meeting starts.

How do I help other farmers send comments to the USDA?

Forward a link to this page or print copies to hand out at meetings of Ag organizations like your County Farm Bureau.

How do I encourage fellow farmers and other industry people to join AFACT?

1. Share why it is important for agriculture to speak out on the benefits of technology to produce safe, nutritious and affordable food in the most environmentally sustainable manner.
2. When farmers have approved technologies, they must have the right to choose the products and concepts that work best on their farms.
3. AFACT provides support to farmers who tell their stories to the food chain and consumers about their farms, families and why modern production practices are valuable.
4. Please ask them to join AFACT by registering online at www.itisafact.org or by calling (800) 340-0737 for an application.

Thank you for helping to protect your right to choose the best production practices for your farm!

The AFACT Leadership Team

Please join us in congratulating members of the AFACT Leadership Team who have recently been recognized with industry awards. We are honored to have these dedicated farmers and advocates for agriculture as leaders of AFACT and it is heartwarming to see their efforts rewarded.

Co-Leaders Liz Doornink and Carrol Campbell

Liz Doornink, AFACT Co-Leader and WI Dairy Farmer Named Ag Woman of the Year
AgConnect “Advocating for Agriculture” Awards

Earlier today, it was announced that, with over 20,000 votes cast, Liz Doornink was the Grand Prize Winner in the Ag Woman of the Year category of the Advocating for Agriculture Awards sponsored by AgConnect. Liz will be presented with the award at the 2010 AgConnect Expo, January 12-15, in Orlando, Florida. We are so proud of Liz and all that she has accomplished. Congratulations to Liz and Thanks to all of you who showed your support by casting your votes!

Carrol Campbell, AFACT Co-Leader and KS Dairy Farmer Recognized as 2010 Outstanding Dairy Producer of the Year
Western DairyBusiness Magazine
We are pleased to announce that, for “his unselfish commitment to the dairy industry,” Carrol will be honored with the 2010 Outstanding Dairy Producer of the Year award by Western DairyBusiness magazine at the World Ag Expo in Tulare, California on Feb. 10th. Congratulations Carrol! We are proud and honored to have you as one of our leaders!

Laura Daniels

Laura Daniels, AFACT Leadership Team and WI Dairy Farmer, Named 2009 YDLI Distinguished Alumni Leader
Holstein Foundation Young Dairy Leaders Institute
This award is given annually to a YDLI alumni who has used their YDLI training to have influence and provide leadership for the betterment of the dairy industry. We are proud of the work Laura does to share our message and prepare young dairy professionals to become advocates for the industry. Congratulations Laura!

You can add your congratulations to ours and help us celebrate the achievements of our dedicated and deserving leaders by posting your comments on our AFACT home on Facebook!

We hope to see you there.

Thanks,

The AFACT Leadership Team