EU governments have struck a tentative deal with MEPs that would allow member countries to decide whether they cultivate GM crops.<br /><br /> The deal still faces two more parliamentary votes and yet another approval by environment ministers.<br /><br /> Officials in Brussels say Thursday’s deal means those three steps are essentially a formality.<br /><br /> The new legislation will be enacted by member states by the spring.<br /><br /> It means countries that want to start growing GM crops will realistically be able to first harvest them in 2016.<br /><br /> But critics worry GM producers could challenge a country’s ban under global free trade rules.
