Idaho sugar beet farmers troubled by judge’s decision

NAMPA, Idaho — Idaho sugar beet growers say it will be difficult to find enough conventional seeds for their crops after a federal judge revoked government approval of genetically modified seeds.

U.S. District Judge Jeffrey White recently ruled to halt the use of the genetically modified seeds until environmental impact study is completed.

Many sugar beet farmers use the seeds developed by Monsanto Co.

Amalgamated Sugar chairman Duane Grant says the impact of the decision on farmers in Idaho, Washington and Oregon will be significant.

Meridian farmer Drew Eggers says he doesn’t think it’s possible to go back to the old way. Another farmer, Sid Freeman, says there aren’t enough conventional seed varieties to plant all his acreage.

Tags: crops, beets, farm, idaho, gmo