GM alfalfa and beets in court

Monsanto loses, sort of

By Culinate staff

August 20, 2010

Agricultural giant Monsanto has had a confusing summer. In June, the U.S. Supreme Court struck down injunctions against the company’s genetically modified alfalfa seed, but simultaneously upheld a ban on planting the seed. Now a federal court has revoked the government's approval of Monsanto’s genetically modified sugar beets.

The New York Times summed up both cases: “In the alfalfa case, the Supreme Court indicated that the government might grant partial approval of a genetically modified crop. It seems that such an option might be available in the sugar beet case as well, which could reduce any hardship for farmers. It is also possible the Agriculture Department will appeal.”