Northern Ireland has become the latest country to announce a ban on the cultivation of GM crops.

Earlier this year member states were granted the right to restrict or ban the cultivation of GM organisms in their own territory.

Scotland, Latvia, Greece and France have already applied to the European Commission for permission to use the “opt-out” option when it comes to growing GM crops which are authorised in the EU.

See also: Germany takes next steps to ban GM crops

Germany is also understood to be on course to announce a ban.

Environment minister Mark H Durkan said Northern Ireland was proud of its natural environment and rich biodiversity and he was concerned growing GM crops could damage that image.

“The pattern of land use here and the relatively small size of many agricultural holdings creates potential difficulties if we were to seek to keep GM and non-GM crops separate. I consider that the costs of doing so could potentially be significant and, in many cases, totally impractical.

“We are perceived internationally to have a clean and green image. I am concerned that the growing of GM crops, which I acknowledge is controversial, could potentially damage that image.”

The Ulster Farmers’ Union has said it recognised why the minister had made the decision.

But a spokesman added: “This could however create problems if the Republic of Ireland adopts a different approach towards growing these crops. It is important that the science is not portrayed in a negative way and that the minister recognises that in time the science behind GM crops could deliver benefits for farmers, food processors and consumers in the future.”

The Republic of Ireland is yet to announce its stance on GM crops, but it has previously stated that its objective is to declare itself a GM-free zone.