HANNOVER (AP) - The German Federal Office for Plant Registration will allow three genetically modified maize varieties to be cultivated in Germany.

On Wednesday, Michael Koeller, the German Judiciary Officer in Hannover, announced that, "Three genetically modified maize varieties that are resistant to the Corn Borer were granted legal regulatory approval."

"For the first time, a genetically engineered plant was approved in Germany," emphasized Koeller.

"Up until now, only approved transgenic plants from other European countries were allowed to be distributed in Germany."

According to Koeller, the three GM maize varieties were developed by the seed companies, Monsanto and Pioneer.

In order to receive approval, the GM varieties were required to demonstrate overall better characteristics than currently registered varieties.

In order to reach the market, the possible genetic risks of these three varieties underwent testing in a special approval process.

Monsanto told AP reporters, "With this approval, GM maize is finally available to all German farmers and it increases their competitiveness."