Insurance companies are refusing cover for farmers intending to grow genetically modified crops, according to a report in the Times.

The refusal is believed to be due to fears that potential risks could lead to huge payouts in the future.

All the companies surveyed by Farm, a group campaigning on behalf of small farmers, felt too little was known about the long-term effects of GM crops on human health and the environment to be able to offer insurance cover.

Robin Maynard, national co-ordinator at Farm, said: “It's time to let those seeking to force GM crops into our fields and onto supermarket shelves to take the flak.”

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