US to plant more GM crops

Farmers in the United States will grow more genetically modified crops this year, despite international criticism of GM foods.

A report by the US Agriculture Department says that almost three-quarters of all soya beans and one-third of the maize grown in the US will be from genetically enhanced crops - a 12% increase on last year.

International environmental and consumer groups have called on the US Government to tighten its regulations because of concerns about the long-term safety of GM foods for humans and animals.

The biotechnology industry says GM crops require fewer chemicals and pesticides because they are more resistant to diseases.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service