But some, such as George Siemon of the Organic Valley farm co-op in Wisconsin, believe that the ruling threatened the industry's continued growth.

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No deal was cut between Organic Valley, Stonyfield, WFM and Monsanto.

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However, when in December the USDA indicated that a complete ban on GMO alfalfa was no longer a possible outcome, Organic Valley and the others went to work advocating for a set of strict rules that would serve to protect organic farmers and organic consumers from the threat of GMO contamination.

FORBES: The OrganicGate Scandal

Other business leaders have also recently floated the idea, including the managing director of organic food brand Yeo Valley.

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East of Carmel-by-the-Sea, Carmel Valley Road takes you past organic farms, vineyards and equestrian ranches and into the tiny village of Carmel Valley, where many established Monterey County wineries have tasting rooms, and country bistros have invitingly shady garden patios.

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This historical survivor is just one story of preservation in a valley where more than 90 per cent of farms are organic.

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