Scientists in Britain are preparing to publish the results of the world's largest experiment into the environmental effects of genetically modified (GM) crops.
The trial findings, laid out over eight lengthy scientific papers after nearly four years of testing, should go some way in helping the British government decide whether or not to allow farmers to grow the crops commercially. The results are due around 10.30 a.m.
Since 1998, researchers backed have been evaluating the impact of GM herbicides on the local environment and comparing the results with studies on nearby fields where conventional weed killers were used on non-GM varieties.
Although the results remain a closely guarded secret, many observers are expecting a largely mixed verdict on Thursday. It is likely to be noted that in trials of GM rapeseed and sugar beet varieties, insect and weed numbers fell, while those in GM maize fields were much less affected.
The trials, which tested GM rapeseed and maize produced by Bayer CropScience, the British arm of German biotech giant Bayer, and sugar beet made by US agrochemicals producer Monsanto, did not investigate whether conventional or organic crops could co-exist safely alongside GM crops.
A full report by the British government's Agriculture and Environment Biotechnology Commission (AEBC) is expected to report on this, and the question of liability, later this month.
There are no GM crops in the ground in Britain at present and no imminent plantings. Led by the United States, GM crops are now grown in more than 16 countries outside Europe.
In 2002, farmers around the world planted 60 million hectares of land with GM crops.