(NAFB) – A federal judge has denied the motion that would have prohibited the planting of genetically engineered sugar beet seeds this spring. The motion to block the use of Roundup Ready seeds came from the Center for Food Safety. The decision means growers can proceed with planting this year’s crop. But another hearing is scheduled for July 9th to determine if the seeds should be permanently prohibited as USDA produces an envrionmental document to support the deregulation of the seeds.
The Sugar Industry Biotech Council is pleased with the action. In a statement released Tuesday they said the court recognized the significant negative impact an immediate ban on planting would have caused to growers, processors, rural communities and the U.S. sugar supply. As for the next hearing – the group says it looks forward to the court proceedings where they can present evidence about potential choices for growers and processors.
