The U.S. Department of Agriculture unveiled Tuesday controversial plans to again approve genetically modified sugar beets in time for planting next year, a move that would nullify a federal court ruling in August that invalidated the approval the USDA issued five years ago.

The USDA’s proposal, published Tuesday, represents the preliminary stage of the process and will be followed by a 30-day comment period before  a final decision. The USDA laid out three  options in the proposal, including an option not to re-approve the sugar beets, but said its preferred  action would be to “authorize the commercial production” of genetically modified sugar beets under strict regulations.
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