GE Free New Zealand is mounting a legal challenge to plans by AgResearch to extend transgenic animal research.
The Crown Research Institute has applied to the Environmental Risk Management Authority to continue research into cows that have been genetically modified to include human proteins in their milk.
AgResearch also wants to expand its investigations to include a range of other animals, with the aim of producing pharmaceuticals and other products that might have health benefits and commercial applications.
GE Free claims the applications lodged with ERMA are too general and do not give information on the risks, costs and benefits of the proposal.
The lobby group has filed a statement of claim with the High Court to assess the applications.
It says AgResearch is seeking approval for the genetic modification of 27 species of animals.
The case will be called in the High Court on Monday.
