The use of Roundup Ready beets allows farmers to apply Roundup to their entire field of beet crops, rather than more expensive and less environmentally friendly herbicides that must be applied more frequently.

FORBES: Anti-Biotech Activists' Court Win Is Loss for Farmers, Consumers

The genetically engineered alfalfa and sugar beet seeds currently being withheld from growers are both "Roundup ready, " which means that the seeds have been genetically engineered to produce crops that can withstand the application of Roundup herbicide.

FORBES: Magazine Article