U.S. District Court has upheld its decision that USDA did not adequately follow procedural requirements by the National Environmental Policy Act before deregulating Roundup Ready alfalfa.
Monsanto, in a press release, is “disappointed with the decision … to not allow farmers to resume planting Roundup Ready alfalfa until the U.S. Department of Agriculture completes an environmental impact statement.” Roundup Ready alfalfa that was planted by March 30 can still be grown, harvested and sold as forage.
The injunction was issued by the court following a lawsuit brought by the Center for Food Safety and others against the USDA as Geertson Seed Farms, Inc., et. al, v. Mike Johanns, et. al.
Monsanto, in its release, says it petitioned the court to become a party in the case to defend grower choice to use the technology. The company is reviewing its options, including the possibility of an appeal of the court’s decision.