USDA to Revamp Rules for Genetically Modified Sugar Beets

Strategic Insights -

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has announced plans to have interim rules governing genetically modified sugar beets in place by the end of the year, following a federal judge's decision to revoke the government's approval of the plants for commercial planting. The judge's decision was based on concerns that the department hadn't properly considered potential environmental effects. In response, the USDA is giving priority to the completion of a study on Monsanto's Roundup Ready sugar beet seeds for potential reapproval within two years. The move aims to address concerns of producers while complying with the court order and enabling coexistence among conventional, organic, and biotechnology production systems.

Key Takeaways:

  • The USDA plans to have interim rules governing genetically modified sugar beets in place by the end of the year.
  • A federal judge threw out approval of the crop for commercial planting, citing the department's failure to properly consider potential environmental effects.
  • The USDA is giving priority to the completion of a study on Monsanto's Roundup Ready sugar beet seeds for potential reapproval within two years.
  • Genetically altered sugar beets provide about one-half of the U.S. sugar supply and account for about 95 percent of the current sugar beet crop in the United States.
  • The judge's decision does not affect crops planted before August 13, allowing this year's plantings to be harvested, stored, and sold.
  • Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack stated that the actions announced by the USDA respond to concerns of producers while complying with the court order.
  • The USDA's efforts aim to enable coexistence among conventional, organic, and biotechnology production systems.

Statistics:

  • 95%: The percentage of the current sugar beet crop in the United States that is genetically altered.
  • 50%: The percentage of the U.S. sugar supply provided by genetically modified sugar beets.
  • 2 Years: The timeframe within which the USDA plans to complete a study on Monsanto's Roundup Ready sugar beet seeds for potential reapproval.
  • 50%: The estimated amount of the U.S. sugar supply at risk if genetically modified sugar beets are no longer planted.
  • 1/2: The percentage of US sugar supply provided by genetically modified sugar beets.

Sources:

  • Bloomberg News
  • The Associated Press