A federal judge ruled against a new law in Hawaii curbing genetically modified crops, handing a victory to seed and chemical companies in a battle over modern agricultural techniques.

Units of DuPont Co., Syngenta AG, Dow Chemical Co. and BASF SE won a judgment in the U.S. District Court for the District of Hawaii, blocking an ordinance adopted this past November by the island of Kauai, according to a court order dated Aug. 23 and filed on Monday.

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