© APLarge investment: The Gates Foundation has donated a £6.4million grant to develop genetically modified crops in the UK.
The John Innes Centre in Norwich will use the fund to cultivate corn, wheat and rice capable of taking nitrogen from the air, meaning they need little or no fertiliser.
It is claimed the work will benefit struggling maize farmers in sub-Saharan Africa who cannot afford to treat their crops.
The move comes after the European Food Safety Authority produced guidance on how to assess the environmental risks posed by GM fish, insects and animals, which campaigners warned could pave the way for widespread farming of GM products.
Professor Giles Oldroyd from the John Innes Centre, told BBC News that the project was vital for poorer producers and could have a 'huge impact' on global agriculture.
'We believe if we can get nitron fixing cereals we can deliver much higher yields to farmers in Africa and allow them to grow enough food for themselves.'
© UnknownGM project: The John Innes Centre in Norwich will use the fund to cultivate corn, wheat and rice that need little or no fertiliser.
Not a very wise man, even if he is very rich and even if his heart is in the right place.
I think a person risks making a very serious mistake if he or she tries to take on Mother Nature (perhaps this is God) and seek to manipulate rather than understand her.
Very foolish indeed.