Activists destroy cornfield in Italy

PORDENONE, Italy, Aug. 10 (UPI) -- Anti-globalization activists have destroyed a field of genetically modified corn near the northeastern Italian town of Pordenone, Italian authorities say.

Some 70 activists belonging to the Ya Basta group stomped on all the plants before police were able to drag them away, Italy's ANSA news agency reported Tuesday.

"Our action was aimed against the violence that GM crops wreak on the environment and on humans," said Ya Basta spokesman Luca Tornatore.

The destruction came several weeks after the farmer who illegally planted the corn announced it was ready to be harvested.

Greenpeace attempted to storm the field last week and numerous representatives from a group opposing genetically modified crops erected a protest camp near the farm.

Even though most Italian farmers oppose genetically modified crops, Monday's action by Ya Basta drew criticism.

Farmers' union Coldiretti condemned the crop destruction saying "the law must always be respected."