The Wire

Green groups are protesting the Government’s decision to approve the commercial release of genetically modified cotton crops in northern Australia. 90 per cent of Australia’s cotton is already genetically modified, but it has so far been restricted to the southern half of Australia. This is because concerns were held that the insect resistant cotton might become a weed and have adverse effects on the environment. But the Government’s most recent environmental assessment has concluded the crops would have a limited impact on public health or the environment.