Monsanto (NYSE:MON) Scores Victory in Alfalfa Seed Case

In a stinging 7-1 decision, the Supreme Court sided with Monsanto (NYSE:MON), removing the nationwide ban on Monsanto's Roundup Ready alfalfa seed, put in place by a California federal judge.

The Supreme Court ruled the judge went way too far in making a decision to ban the seen across the nation, paving the way for the U.S. Department of Agriculture to finish up a study on whether or not there will be a negative environmental impact from using the seed.

At issue was implementing the decree before the study was even conducted by the USDA.

"This is a great day for farmers, as they can look to the government to set the regulatory rules as opposed to individual litigants," said David Snively, Monsanto's general counsel.

Writing for the seven justices siding with Monsanto, Justice Samuel Alito said that judge overstepped his authority in issuing the order.

The USDA said on Monday it had a good chance of completing the study before the 2011 spring planting season.

Once final approval is given, Monsanto said they'll work with the USDA to get the alfalfa seed to farmers as quickly as possible.

Monsanto (NYSE:MON) Prepares for Oral Arguments in Alfalfa Ban Case Before Supreme Court

The ban on Monsanto (NYSE:MON) alfalfa seeds, which has been for three years, is finally about to be heard by the U.S. Supreme Court, and the biotech seed company is preparing for oral arguments after filing their final reply brief with the Court.

Roundup Ready alfalfa has been approved by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and reviewed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and first entered the market in 2005.

The genetically modified alfalfa seed is resistant to Roundup weed killer.

Early in 2010 the Supreme Court said they'll hear the case to determine whether or not to overturn the ban of the alfalfa seed, which has been in force since 2007.