The Wire

Debate, bitter disagreements, and court cases: the use of genetically modified—or GM—plant crops has not begun quietly. Some farmers are concerned about food safety, or that consumers don’t want GM food. Others contend that GM is essential for food security, and good for the environment.

Australia is moving ahead on the GM wheat front, having trialled 11 herbicide resistant varieties in the field since 2005.But concerns about contamination have caused rancor in the industry and disputes between neighbouring farms that don’t see eye to eye on the risks of growing a GM crop.