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Rules allowing member states to control GMO regulations in their own country were passed on 2 March by the EU Council.

These new rules allow members states to decide whether or not they want genetically modified crops (GMO) grown on their land.

"This is in line with the subsidiarity principle and respects citizens' and farmers' preferences", said Janis Duklavs, the Latvian minister for agriculture and President of the Council.

Two options are now available to member states that wish to prohibit the cultivation of a GMO on their land. When a company applies to grow crops on the territory of a member state, the country can ask the applicant to state in their proposal that GMO cannot be grown in all or part of the country. This step can be taken by a member state without providing a reason why it wishes to prohibit or ban the GMO.