However, environmentalists are unlikely to be impressed by a three-year moratorium as they are pressing for a permanent ban on commercial growing and more restrictions on testing. But he said he still had concerns over the amount of GM produce imported into Britain. But the GM communications unit spokesman denied that the Government was preparing an about-turn on the issue. Under the extended trials programme, there will be about 75 farm-scale trials, compared to the 10 trials involved in the first year. Each will be around 25 acres in size.
Planting is unlikely to start before next spring.
Environment Minister Michael Meacher is expected to make a formal announcement on the issue on Wednesday. The spokesman said Mr Meacher had always maintained that commercial cultivation of GM crops would not be allowed until the Government was satisfied that there would be no unacceptable impact on the environment. You can't do this kind of work in a laboratory. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites.