France, as EU president, is trying to build a consensus around the cautious position on GM crops. But at an informal meeting of EU farm ministers it was criticised by several member states for being "too defensive".

In a strongly worded policy paper drawn up ahead of the meeting in the French resort of Biarritz, France called on governments "to slow down or stop this m ad dash for production".

"It has to be recognised that the imposition of GM foods by large multinational companies raises serious doubts as to their basic motive since their enthusiasm for health and environment protection has never been spectacular" it said.

French Farm Minister Jean Glavany said two member states, Belgium and the Netherlands, openly criticised the text for being too cautious. Officials added both Germany and Britain also felt the EU should be more positive."Some felt it was too cautious. We now have to work towards harmonising views" Glavany told a press conference after the two-day meeting.

However, France has a major ally in Italy, whose Farm Minister Alfonso Pecoraro Scanio is an outspoken critic of new gene altered crops.

The split threatens to make it more difficult for EU food safety commisioner David Byrne to push through plans to kick start the EU's GM authorisation procedure, which has been stalled by an unofficial moratoriam.

Much to the annoyance of the United States, the world's major GM crop grower, the EU has not cleared any such crop for three years while new legislation is being drawn up.

Byrne said new legislation would be finalised over the next few months and would include provisions on labelling, traceability, time limited authorisations and a continuing need for research.

EU farm commissioner Franz Fischler said the reality of GM crops could not be ignored, either within EU food production or in imported goods. But the Commission would continue with an approach based on giving consumers full information.

"We should not disregard what biotechnology has to offer. We must also include the probable economic and social implications" Fischler said.

Commission seeks trade protection for geographic namesAs part of a new pro-active food policy, Fischler said the Commission would seek World Trade Organisation protection for quality products with names linked to geographic origins.

He said increased global market access for agricultural products as a result of international trade liberalisation meant there was a greater need to protect the reputation of high quality EU foods.

The EU is concerned a whole range of geographically linked goods could be produced outside the 15-nation bloc and be sold as, for example, Parma ham, Rioja wine, or Rocquefort cheese.