Tuesday, February 8, 2011

USDA Allows GMO Sugar Beet Planting Even After a Landmark Court Decision Says No

War on You, Feb. 8, 2011

In December, a federal judge ordered that 258 very important acres of genetically modified sugar beets be destroyed. Judge Jeffrey White ruled that the crops be destroyed because the risk of gene contamination in Oregon’s Willamette Valley was so great. This was a step in the right direction no matter how small the step.

According to Reuters, the USDA has said it would take at least two years to develop new regulations in response to the overall ban issued last month by U.S. District Court Judge White.

But it seems there was little victory to enjoy because according to Minnesota Public Radio, the USDA most recently announced that farmers will be allowed to grow genetically modified sugar beets this season, “while it finishes work on a full environmental impact statement on the beets’ effect on other crops and the environment.” What? If you even think there may be a problem, why would you continue to make it worst?
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“The USDA has been using its antiquated regulations as an excuse for not thoroughly reviewing GMOs. We must fight in court to bring accountability to the USDA, and we must also take this fight to rural American farms and the grocery aisles.”

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