SEVEN OF Germany‘s 16 states are hosting secret trials of genetically modified crops, according to The Guardian.

The trials, in 29 secret locations, are said to be funded by the states.

The Green party said that farmers have taken advantage of a loophole in EU regulations that allows them to grow GM crops for experimental purposes without notifying the authorities.

But one Green party representative insisted that the growing of GM corn was not just an experiment, saying that the farmers are growing it for profit.

Conservative parties have been blamed for blocking attempts to tighten legislation.

Saxony-Anhalt‘s economics minister said the state had set aside €390,000 (£263,000) to fund its GM trials, of which €240,000 (£162,000) was being held in reserve to compensate farmers for any damage the trials caused, according to The Guardian.