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USDA permits planting of genetically modified trees

South Carolina-based biotechnology company, Arbor Gen, has received approval from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to move ahead with plans to plant genetically-modified eucalyptus trees in seven southern states. The eucalyptus trees come from Australia and cannot stand cold weather making them viable only in southern Florida. Arbor Gen has modified the trees so they could grow further north. USDA has granted permission to plant up to 250,000 of the gm trees on 28 sites in Florida, South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana and Texas.

The fast-growing trees would be used for pulp to make paper, Arbor Gen is owned by three paper-making companies: International Paper and MeadWestvaco of the United States, and Rubicon of New Zealand.

Opponents say eucalyptus trees use a lot of water and are already an invasive species, genetic modification only adds to that threat.

The USDA permits are for experimental planting only; any commercial production would require additional permits