I inquired of Monsanto the status of RR alfalfa following the suprme courts recent ruling. This is the response I recvd:
Thank you for your inquiry regarding Roundup Ready alfalfa. The Supreme Court made
a decision last week on this case.
What did the court actually decide?
The Court only made one important decision - to remand and reverse a lower court's
injunction (or ban) on Roundup Ready alfalfa. The key questions presented before the
court were whether the lower district court could legally put the injunction in
place.
Does this mean Roundup Ready alfalfa can be planted?
Not for the moment - until the USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service
(APHIS) either 1) completes the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS); or 2) puts in
place interim measures for farmers to plant biotech alfalfa while the EIS is being
completed. During the oral arguments before the Supreme Court in April, the Deputy
U.S. Solicitor General told the Court they estimated the EIS would be ready in
approximately one year.
Could farmers plant this fall?
Possibly - if the USDA gives the go ahead. The Court's decision makes it clear USDA
has the authority to issue interim guidance that would allow farmers to resume
planting prior to the completion of the EIS. USDA-APHIS could choose to wait for the
completion of the EIS.
This is the best information we can provide you at this time.
Thank you for your inquiry regarding Roundup Ready alfalfa. The Supreme Court made
a decision last week on this case.
What did the court actually decide?
The Court only made one important decision - to remand and reverse a lower court's
injunction (or ban) on Roundup Ready alfalfa. The key questions presented before the
court were whether the lower district court could legally put the injunction in
place.
Does this mean Roundup Ready alfalfa can be planted?
Not for the moment - until the USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service
(APHIS) either 1) completes the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS); or 2) puts in
place interim measures for farmers to plant biotech alfalfa while the EIS is being
completed. During the oral arguments before the Supreme Court in April, the Deputy
U.S. Solicitor General told the Court they estimated the EIS would be ready in
approximately one year.
Could farmers plant this fall?
Possibly - if the USDA gives the go ahead. The Court's decision makes it clear USDA
has the authority to issue interim guidance that would allow farmers to resume
planting prior to the completion of the EIS. USDA-APHIS could choose to wait for the
completion of the EIS.
This is the best information we can provide you at this time.
