Crystal Sugar CEO blasts anti-GMO movement, Texas Sen. Cruz

The head of the nation's largest sugar beet cooperative says shareholders will see improved results this year, but two of his group's biggest challenges are the anti-genetically modified foods movement -- and Republican Ted Cruz.

American Crystal Sugar Co. CEO David Berg says the company can weather the decision by Hershey Co. to buy only non-GMO cane sugar, but he is worried that more companies will follow suit. Berg says Crystal growers could produce non-GMO beets, but at this point there is "no good reason" to do it.

Berg spoke Thursday during Crystal's annual meeting in Fargo. He received applause during his speech to shareholders when he challenged Cruz to a debate over the Republican presidential candidate's call to do away with government support for the sugar industry.