GE-Free Northland has welcomed the Far North District Council’s decision to spend $15,000 on an investigation into local control of genetically modified crops and field trials. The council allocated the money in its 2008-2009 Annual Plan as a contribution towards the work of an inter-council working party that is evaluating risks posed by genetically modified organisms. Spokewoman for the group Zelka Grammer is pleased the council has committed funds to the working party, which is made up of representatives from eight Auckland and Northland councils.