Q&A on the GM trials

Very. For the first time, GM crops were planted in the UK on a large scale and the effect on all wild plants and insects in those fields monitored closely. The results will provide a key insight into how GM crops would work beside traditional agriculture.

What were all those other studies on GM?

The Government split the GM research into three strands: whether GM will earn money for Britain; what scientists know about GM; and, today's final report, what it does to the environment. There was also a public debate.

What did they show?

That most GM crops could not be grown in the UK at the moment because the technology is not ready and would not be financially viable for farmers. On top of that the public reaction showed a five-to-one majority against GM crops. Studies also showed that some GM plants that have wild relatives in the UK - like oilseed rape - would result in cross-pollination leading to a tiny number of GM hybrids.

So are GM foods dangerous to eat?

The US has been growing and eating GM for almost 10 years and there is little evidence it causes health problems. But scientists have said they want more research into what effects GM foods have on people with allergies as they do not know for sure if there are long-term risks.

What will happen next?

The Government will spend the next three months deciding if any GM crops could be grown in Britain. This decision could rest on who would foot the bill if GM crops contaminated organic or conventional crops - the GM farmers, the GM companies, the Government or insurance firms.