9-10 IAN Sugarbeet Pollination

 The sugar beet controversy in Idaho could have an economic ripple that is overwhelming. I’m David Sparks…

In July, U.S. District Court Judge Jeffrey White ruled against the planting of sugar beets, using genetically modified seeds. Jake Putnam with the Idaho Farm Bureau joined thousands of people in the ag community in saying that  "The impacts of this lawsuit will be felt for many years to come." Here’s the issue. Organic farmers sell their products as “organically grown, meaning that amongst other things, there is no genetic modification in their products. Almost 95% of the sugar beets grown in Idaho come from genetically modified seeds that are resistant to the herbicide Roundup. The organic farmers say they are at risk for cross pollination. Here’s farmer, former Idaho State representative and Executive Director, of Growers for Biotechnology Douglas R. Jones with an argument against the cross pollination theory: “Sugarbeets for sugar production, never go to seed. They’re a biennial to make seed, so if you’re gonna dig ‘em and process them for sugar, there’s no risk of them ever going to seed or pollinating.” Alright. But between the revenue lost by sugar beet and, ultimately sugar production through co-ops owned by the growers, whole farming communities can be economically decimated.