LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) -- More than four dozen rice farmers in Arkansas, Louisiana and Texas who sought to intervene in a lawsuit against RiceTec Inc. have decided to withdraw from the legal action.

Alvin, Texas,-based RiceTec announced Tuesday that the 51 farmers are opting out of the lawsuit.

An attorney for the farmers did not immediately return an after-hours phone call seeking comment.

The lawsuit is a countersuit against RiceTec that alleged the company sold inferior hybrid seed. The countersuit was in reaction to a lawsuit by RiceTec against an Arkansas farmer who refused to pay for the seed he bought from RiceTec because he believed it to be inferior.

RiceTec says it disagrees with the allegations about its seed and will defend its products.

Copyright 2012 The AP.