Genetic beet trial defended

The US chemical company Monsanto has defended its role in seeking permission to test-grow genetically modified sugar beet in Carlow. The company commented briefly on the High Court decision to allow a judicial review of the Environmental Protection Agency's permission for the trials: "We submitted an extensive environmental safety assessment to the EPA as part of the application. The EPA conducted a most stringent review, including independent scientific appraisal of the data," a spokesman said. The court action was brought by the environmental group Genetic Concern.