Calif. judge allows genetically engineered beet harvest; amounts to half nation’s sugar supply

Judge allows genetically engineered beet harvest

SAN FRANCISCO — A federal judge says farmers can harvest and sell their genetically engineered sugar beets this year.

Nearly all sugar beets planted are genetically engineered and the crop accounts for half the nation’s sugar supply.

U.S. District Court Jeffrey White last year ruled federal regulators improperly granted approval of the beets because more environmental studies were needed. Several environmental groups asked White to prohibit any more planting and growing of the crop while he considers the next legal step.

But the judge said Tuesday that the Center for Food Safety and other groups waited too long to ask for such a remedy. The judge also said such a drastic order could cost the industry 5,800 jobs and as much as $883.6 million in profits.