Supreme Court Decides Biotech Alfalfa Case

Today, the United States Supreme Court ruling in Monsanto Co. v. Geertson Seed Farms has lifted the nationwide ban on the sale of Roundup Ready alfalfa seeds.  The decision 7-1 with Justice Samuel Alito writing the opinion for the court, with Justice John Paul Stevens dissenting.  Justice Stephen Breyer did not participate in the case because Charles Breyer, his brother, issued the injunction which was the subject of the case.  


According to MSNBC, environmental groups and conventional seed companies sued USDA in 2006, attempting to stop the sale of the alfalfa seeds until USDA conducted a "full environmental study."  Monsanto intervened and appealed the injunction to the United States Supreme Court.  

The issue in the case, according to SCOTUSblog, was "what injunctive relief a District Court may order to remedy a procedural violation of a federal environmental statute – here, the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)."  The Court reversed and remanded the Appeals Court decision, holding that the District Court abused its discretion in issuing the injunction. 

   

For the full text of the opinion, click here.


To read the MSNBC story, click here.
To read the SCOTUSblog summary of the opinion, click here.
For additional information on the case and briefs, click here.


Posted: 06/21/2010