Government scientists have given the go-ahead to genetically modified crops. Britain should develop more of the controversial plants, the experts said. They warned that GM plants must be grown at least 100 metres away from normal crops but their recommendations are bound to provoke fury among campaigners against so-called Frankenstein foods.

The Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council based its recommendations on the results of a five-year, £4.5 million study into the safety of GM crops, released today. They also called for a massive effort to convince the public of the value of GM crops.

The report, commissioned by ministers at the height of the storm over GM foods, investigated how the crops could contaminate normal crops nearby. It found that some could contaminate fields several kilometres away but scientists said the Government should press ahead with a safety limit of just 100 metres, despite the risk.

Professor Phil Dale, who headed the report steering group, said: 'Some species will pollinate several kilometres away but it really depends on the crop - 100 metres seems to us to be a safe limit for many of them.

'I think we have focused far too much on the negative effects of GM and the risk assessment. We need to start planning for exactly how we go about growing these crops effectively rather than worrying about if we should grow them.' There were more than a billion acres of GM crops being grown internationally. 'We are falling behind,' he said.

The report would be forwarded to relevant departments to kick-start a government decision on the recommendations