Photo: www.bluewaikiki.com/Flickr

Organic dairy has been on quite a ride over the past couple of weeks. First, a study published in the Journal of Dairy Science found that organic milk was healthier than its standard counterpart, thanks to lower levels of saturated fats. But soon after, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack changed department regulations for alfalfa production – possibly making it more difficult for organic dairy and beef farmers to stay in business.

What’s the issue? Alfalfa is a crop that’s mainly used to feed cows and horses. The new regulations allow for the unrestricted planting of genetically modified alfalfa, which is pesticide-resistent. If any traces of this genetically modified crop are found in the feed of nominally organic cows, then the livestock will lose their organic certification. This may make farming organic dairy riskier – and costlier – since genetically modified alfalfa could cross-pollinate with organic alfalfa in nearby fields.

According to The Atlantic‘s Samuel Fromartz, the risks of this move include pricier organic milk and fewer export opportunities for conventional crops. And though the USDA has vowed to research ways of “ensuring the genetic integrity” of alfalfa, many people are unconvinced.

I’ve emailed several nearby dairy farmers to hear their take on the controversy. I’ll let you know what they had to say.