Switzerland’s Federal Office for the Environment (FOEN) has granted the University of Zurich approval to conduct field trials of genetically modified (GM) barley under strict conditions. The barley contains the wheat disease resistance gene Lr34, with the trials aimed at discovering whether the gene can protect barley under field conditions. The GM barley will be exposed to barley leaf rust and powdery mildew fungi to test resistance, with the trial also testing whether or not the gene has any impact on crop development and yield.