Judge Rules to Uproot Genetically Modified Sugar Beet Seed Plants

A California judge has ordered the uprooting of genetically modified sugar beets, citing a risk for environmental harm. In a lawsuit filed by environmental groups, U.S. District Judge Jeffrey White ruled that the USDA’s decision in September to allow planting of sugar beets could contaminate other crops. USDA issued permits for planting of the beet seed plants — which have been genetically modified to resist the weed killer Round up — despite a ruling by the same judge earlier this year to hold future planting. The ruling allowed this year’s crop to be planted and harvested, but plants used to produce seed for sugar beets planted in 2012 are affected by the decision. (Associated Press) Read more.