The National Farmers Union is welcoming the Forage Genetics International decision not to market genetically-modified alfalfa this spring.

The CFIA okayed the sale of herbicide-tolerant alfalfa across Canada last year.

NFU member Dave Lewington argues the decision not to market the seeds is an admission, at some level, that the concerns of farmers across Canada are serious.

NFU President Jan Slomp wants the industry and government to put a complete stop to the release of GM alfalfa.

Slomp says his organisation is also calling for a revamp of the government’s registration process.

The NFU says a full assessment of the environmental, economic and social impacts based on public research and input from a cross-section of farmers and Canadians needs to be included in the process.