A NEW crop of genetically-modified oilseed rape is to be planted in the region, a seed firm confirmed yesterday.

Aventis CropScience UK has been given a Government licence to plant the crop near the village of Sand Hutton, near York.

Aventis seeds manager Dr Paul Rylott said the site was not designed to provide food for human or animal consumption, but would test the suitability of the crop for future use.

"What is being planted is a new variation of GM oilseed rape, on a very small scale indeed," he said.

"All varieties of seed, whether GM or not, have to go through this listing process. It is like a Which? report for crops really.

"We do this so that farmers can look at each of the varieties, and compare its responses when the time comes for them to look to purchasing."

The trials are expected to last for two years