Law360, New York (June 25, 2010, 12:26 PM ET) -- On June 21, 2010, the U.S. Supreme Court announced its anticipated decision in Monsanto Co. v. Geertson Seed Farms (No. 09-475), its first case concerning genetically modified crops.

In a 7-1 opinion, the court ruled that the district court abused its discretion in permanently enjoining farmers from planting Roundup Ready Alfalfa (RRA) seeds anywhere in the United States until the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) conducted an environmental impact statement (EIS).

The Plant Protection Act permits the U.S. Department of Agriculture to issue regulations...