A court decision overturning U.S. government approval for a biotech alfalfa underscores complaints made for years that the USDA is failing to adequately oversee genetically altered crops, biotech crop critics said on Tuesday. And the critics believe it sets a precedent that should prompt more stringent oversight of these controversial crops. ”It is a big deal for the court to do that. It is the first time it has happened in the U.S.,” said Margaret Mellon, director of the Union of Concerned Scientists Food and Environment Program, which is not a party to the case. There have been concerns for years about the USDA’s lack of proper oversight. Indeed, other recent court rulings have leveled criticism against U.S. government oversight of biotech crops.