Facts

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service deregulated a variety of genetically engineered sugar beets, manufactured by Monsanto Company. Plaintiffs sought permanent relief from the USDA's deregulation of the biotech crop and a permanent injunction.

PLAINTIFF'S CONTENTIONS:
Plaintiffs contended that the genetically engineered crops cause irreparable harm to the environment. Plaintiffs claimed that the deregulation violated the National Environmental Policy Act because of the USDA's failure to prepare the requisite Environmental Impact Statement.

Result

The Federal Court vacated the USDA's approval of Monsanto's Roundup Ready sugar beets, banning future planting and sale of the biotech crop pending further compliance by the agency with NEPA and relevant laws. The court, however, denied plaintiff's request for a permanent injunction.

Other Information

FILING DATE: Jan. 23, 2008.