Concern Among Sugar Beet Growers

A sugar beet grower near Powell, Montana, says a potential ban on planting or processing Roundup Ready sugar beets is a “critical” event that could cripple the U.S. sugar industry along with local economies, reports the PowellTribune.com.

“It’s the kind of thing that could just shut down the sugar beet industry,” said Fred Hopkin of last week’s federal court filing seeking an injunction against planting, cultivating, processing or any other use of Roundup Ready sugar beets.

Lawyers for organic seed producers and food safety groups filed the request for injunction in U.S. District Court in San Francisco asking Judge Jeffrey White to stop production until an environmental impact statement (EIS) is complete. White will rule on the request on March 5.
“It’s a big deal,” Hopkin said. “It’s a huge factor in whether this industry can continue to thrive or go forward.”

Hopkin said beet growers have already purchased seed for the 2010 growing season. In most cases growers have paid for the seed although it may not have been delivered. If White approves the injunction, Hopkin said most growers probably won’t plant beets this year.

Click for the full story from the Powell (MT) Tribune.