This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2011, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.

If you're not a farmer or in the business of feeding cattle, you may not give much thought to alfalfa. It's green, cows eat it, end of story.

But if you're passionate about your food choices — particularly if you are an avid supporter of organic agriculture — then you'll want to give this crop some serious consideration, starting now.

Alfalfa, a relative of the pea plant, is fourth largest commodity crop grown in the United States. It is most often harvested as hay for feeding livestock, and its high protein content and superior digestibility make it a top feed choice for dairy cows. What does that have to do with me, you ask?

In January, the federal government gave farmers the green light to grow genetically engineered (GE) alfalfa. Hot on the heels of GE corn and soybeans, which now dominate our national food supply, GE alfalfa threatens to strike another blow at the organic industry. These mega-volume crops have been manipulated by scientists to resist the spraying of glyphosate herbicide (commonly known as Roundup) so that fields can be sprayed en masse, killing any plant that isn't counted as a "commodity." In theory, this sounds pretty convenient, but the reality is grim.

Impact on organic • Like its corn and soy predecessors, GE alfalfa can cross-pollinate non-engineered alfalfa, and this means big trouble for organic farmers. Current organic certification regulations prohibit genetically modified organisms or GMOs from organic products. If livestock are fed alfalfa that has been accidentally cross-pollinated by a nearby GE crop, the resulting meat and milk can no longer be marketed as organic. This means significant financial losses for producers.

As the use of GE alfalfa expands, it will become more and more difficult to confirm the absence of modified genes within a crop, squelching the economic viability of both growing organic alfalfa and buying it to feed organic livestock. Either way, the organic farmer's options will dwindle, and higher prices will be passed along to consumers.

"Organic farmers and others are now left, once again, having to take all the precautions while biotech takes little responsibility," explained Liana Hoodes, director of the National Organic Coalition.

What to do • When we start talking about the national food supply using doomsday rhetoric, it feels as if there is little we can do as individuals. After all, there are few citizens who actively support GE agriculture, yet it continues to expand its scope. It's especially maddening because GE agriculture is a way for mega corporations to actually own varieties of seeds, putting farmers forever in the palm of their hands. But don't give up hope. There are actions you can take to avoid and oppose genetic engineering. Here are four ways to start:

1. Eat wild • When it comes to meat, wild game is an excellent choice. Besides being absolutely delicious, it comes from animals that live freely and graze primarily on nature's bounty. Wild meat is lower in saturated fat and calories than commercial meat, and it has a significantly higher levels of heart-healthy fats. And unlike domestic animals, wild game is not subjected to pesticides and funky feed additives. If you're not a hunter and don't know where to find wild meat, talk to your local fish and game department. They may be able to help you make a connection with hunters willing to share their harvest.

2. Go native • If going wild isn't for you, try going native. Instead of buying meat and milk from cows raised on crops that may be contaminated with GE pollen, seek out farms that grow native grasses to feed their livestock. Growing native is better for the environment, produces healthier animal products, and virtually eliminates the risk of GE contamination. Search websites like eatwild.com and Local Harvest localharvest.org to find a native, grass-based farm near you.

3. Express yourself • This country is still a democracy in which each of our voices CAN make a difference. Contact your U.S. senators, representatives and even President Obama with your concerns. Contact information can be found at http://www.congress.org. If you're at a loss for words, the Organic Trade Association has prepared a letter that can be modified, signed and sent directly to the White House. Find it at ota.capwiz.com/ota/issues.

4. Keep buying organic • Buying organic meat, milk and produce is still a critically important way of minimizing your exposure to GMOs. Every dollar you spend on organic supports an industry that is committed to protecting our food from genetic engineering, pesticides and unhealthy additives. Don't forget your pets in the anti-GMO equation. Try modestomilling.com or thewholisticpet.com.

MaryJane Butters is the editor of MaryJanesFarm magazine. E-mail her at everydayorganic@maryjanesfarm.com