Litigants argue over sugar-beet stecklings

USDA and seed companies are calling witnesses this morning to testify on the damage the industry would sustain if a federal judge decides to uproot the current root stock, or stecklings, for Roundup Ready sugar beets.

Attorneys for the environmentalists and organic growers who brought the suit are contending that damages to the seed companies would be small. That may be the case, a company representative said -- but damage to the beet industry would be significant.

If the sugar-beet entities of the companies don't maintain profits, they could be sold off, creating further impacts to growers, the representative testified.

Check back later today for more details.