Police arrested environmental protesters Saturday on suspicion of damaging crops at a farm growing genetically modified corn. A police spokesman said up to 34 protesters were arrested. Genetically modified crops are plants whose genes are manipulated in order to produce characteristics such as resistance to pests. Genetically modified foods, hotly debated in Britain, have found mixed support among the public.
Some polls show strong disapproval for any product, while others recommend more research.
On Monday, police arrested 30 protesters, including Greenpeace's executive director, Lord Melchett, over damage to a field of genetically modified corn at Lyng, near Norwich in eastern England. The corn, planted in May with government support, was due to flower next week. The United States has already approved 50 varieties of genetically modified crops.