Big Blow to US sugar industry as GM beet is banned

THE US sugar industry was rocked this week when a federal Judge banned the growth of genetically modified (GM) sugar beet which provides half of all US sugar.

The Judge said the US Department of Agriculture had failed to fully investigate the effect of the GM crop on the environment.

The ban will remain in place until a detailed environmental investigation is carried out – Government sources said this could take at least 2 years.

The decision, which has sent shockwaves through the traditionally pro-GM country, means growers will be unable to sow the Monsanto Roundup Ready sugar beet from the next growing season.

However, the court order does not interfere with the harvest and processing of sugar beet seed crops planted before the date of the order.

It is estimated the decision could cost Monsanto and its customers up to £1.2 billion.

The Sugar Industry Biotech Council said sugar beet was an important US crop, planted on 1.2 million acres and provided a huge economic value to rural communities.

“Biotech sugar beets planted on 95 percent of all sugar beet acreage have allowed growers to control weeds – one of their greatest challenges – in a more environmentally sustainable way,” it said.

source: farmersguardian