Environment ministers of all 28 EU member states are due to vote June 12 on an opt-out clause for genetically manipulated crops, including those officially approved for planting by the European Commission.

Reports say it is likely that the measure will pass, as a majority of the countries already has signalled a positive vote.

Up to now, authorities of individual countries could decline approval of EU-authorised GMO crops out only if they were privy to new scientific information. Under the new rules, they could also reject approval on socio-economic grounds.

If a member state decides not to allow planting of a GMO crop allowed by the EU, the affected company could either opt for planting only in countries that have given the green light or seek a separate approval from those rejecting it.

European environmental groups have criticized the plans, saying the criteria are too vague, and socio-economic grounds easily challenged.