No Word On Roundup Ready Sugarbeets
Judge doesn't say whether he will ban the use of biotech beet seed this spring.
Lon Tonneson
Published: Mar 9, 2010
A hearing Friday on the use of Roundup Resistance sugarbeet seed this spring ended without a ruling.
Press reports said that US District Judge Jeffrey White took the matter under advisement. Attorneys on both sides of the case said they expect the ruling to come soon, but don't know when specifically.
In January 2008 the Center for Food Safety, Organic Seed Alliance, Sierra Club and High Mowing Organic Seeds sued USDA for approving use of Roundup Ready sugarbeet beet seed. They complained that USDA didn't consider the impact of cross pollination of biotech and conventional seed on organic growers or on the environment.
Judge White ruled in favor of the plaintiffs, and ordered USDA to conduct a study of the potential impact. The study could take two of three years to complete.
Then the plaintiffs sought an injunction of the use on the use of biotech beet seed until the study is complete and the seed is re-approved. The court scheduled a hearing in full June on the issue, but has yet to decide whether to allow biotech seed to be planted this spring.
To win an injunction, plaintiffs must show that irreparable harm is likely to result from allowing the production and use of biotech seeds.
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