Researchers at the John Innes Centre have applied to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) for consent to conduct a field trial of genetically modified (GM) wheat. The wheat trial follows from research identifying a gene, TaVIT2, which encodes for an iron transporter in wheat. The wheat line transports more iron into the endosperm from which white flour is milled and would increase iron content to potentially help combat nutrient deficiencies. The small-scale field trial would take place within confined GM trial facilities at its field station in Bawburgh between March and August from 2022 to 2024.