Anti-GM protest in South Moravia

Finally this week, the dispute over genetically modified foods continues - Greenpeace activists wrapped corn plants in plastic bags on Monday in the latest attack against the American company Monsanto, which is testing GM plants in Czech fields. The publicity stunt - which saw a hot-air balloon launched over the cornfield in south Moravia - was aimed at drawing attention to Monsanto's tests of GM maize. About 20 activists took part in the protest.

Despite Monsanto's assurances of safety, and approval from government regulators, environmentalists say pollen from the modified plants could contaminate fields on nearby farms. Monsanto is testing corn that has been modified to resist insecticides and insect-killing bacteria. The company says the modified plants are already widely grown in the United States, and pose no threat to the environment.