A coalition of farmers, consumer associations and environmental groups is urging Malaysia’s National Biosafety Board to reject a proposed field trial of genetically modified rice. They warn the project could pose risks to food safety, the environment and farmers. The application for the trial by Zen Cropscience involves a genetically modified rice variety tolerant to the glyphosate herbicide and resistant to diseases. The coalition of 61 organizations submitted a formal objection last week. They fear contamination of conventional rice crops and the development of glyphosate-resistant “super weeds” that would increase the use of herbicide. The National Biosafety Board says the trial is contained, but the coalition insists genetically modified organisms cannot be fully controlled.