From WATTAgNet:

EU politicians are poised to sign a new law allowing the cultivation of genetically modified (GM) crops in the European Union, clearing the way for approvals.

Opinion on GM crops is divided in the EU; for example, Britain favors them while France opposes them. The compromise law will give member states the right to ban GM crops even after approval from the European Commission.

One of the first crops expected to get endorsement from the European Commission is an insect-resistant corn, 1507, developed by DuPont and Dow Chemical. The companies have been waiting 14 years for authorize its cultivation in the EU.

Another 13 GM crops to be imported for food or animal feed are expected to get approval.

Meanwhile, a new U.K. report says the adoption of GM crops could benefit farmers, consumers and the animal feed supply chain while supporting U.K. competitiveness globally.

The report, commissioned by HGCA, the cereals and oilseeds division of the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board, also finds that GM crops pose no negative environmental impact compared with conventional crops, and may even offer environmental advantages. Among those environmental advantages are less soil erosion, increased soil moisture retention, and reduced fuel use and emissions