USDA Partially Deregulates Roundup Ready Sugar Beets

Farmers have been given the thumbs-up to plant genetically engineered sugar beets, but they must follow mandatory requirement for growing the crop. According to a press release from the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, the plants pose no risk to the environment if grown under conditions outlined by the agency. The decision was made after conducting an environmental assessment, reviewing public comments and completing a plant pest risk assessment. A U.S. district judge ruled last August that the government agency had not considered the potential environmental impact of the beets and revoked USDA’s approval of the seeds. Read more.