Why are these environmental groups picking on sugar beet growers over what most farmers consider a non-issue?
Markwart: It’s a tactical move to try to instill fear among consumers about another “threat” with genetically engineered crops. That’s what these groups do. Sugar beets have been grown commercially for more than 100 years. We’re not some “new” crop. But that doesn’t matter to these folks. They’ll try to stop any use of any GM crops, wherever they can. This suit was timed to try to disrupt the growing season, but the fact is that our members are going ahead with their planting. It’s too late to change their plans now, and we’re confident that this season’s crop will go into the ground as planned. AgNetwork.com: It seems odd, to say the least, that Sierra Club, as experienced as they are with using the courts to advance their agenda, would pick on Roundup Ready sugar beets. That doesn’t make sense. Where’s the threat? Markwart: Well, they had some success legally with constraining the use of Roundup Ready alfalfa. [Editor’s note: A lawsuit filed in the Northern District of California res
