Court Revokes U.S. Approval for GM Sugar Beets

摘要

A federal judge has thrown out the USDA's 2005 approval of genetically modified (GM) sugar beets, saying officials did not conduct an adequate environmental impact assessment. The ruling is setback for Monsanto because growers will not be able to use GM sugar beets in the 2011 planting season, although beets already planted can be harvested and sold. The USDA will have to conduct the required environmental assessment, which could take more than two years but is expected to ultimately approve planting of GM sugar beets.