http://asia.reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml?type=scienceNews&storyID=3399158

Monsanto's French GM Maize Crop Attacked 

Sat September 6, 2003 03:00 PM ET 
                                  
PARIS (Reuters) - An experimental genetically modified (GM) maize crop in
southern France, owned by U.S. seeds giant Monsanto, has been attacked
and destroyed, police said on Saturday.

Police did not say who was behind the attack on the approximately half
hectare field, isolated in a forest in Magnesq, but added that it had
occurred a few hours after an anti-GM demonstration on Friday.

Another of Monsanto's GM fields, also in the southwest of France near
Toulouse, was destroyed in July.

While GM crops are common in the United States, France and other
European countries are dubious about using the new genetic technology in
agriculture. France grows experimental GM crops on around 100 sites, all
approved by the farm ministry.

Supporters say the crops could lead to the development of hardier strains
to help feed the world's poor. Opponents say they could trigger an
uncontrolled spread of modified genes, harming the environment and
people's health.