France will not approve the marketing and the cultivation of genetically-modified rapeseed and sugar beets, a statement from the Prime Minister's office said on Thursday.

The statement was released ahead of a news conference at which the government is expected to detail its position on gene-crops. "No authorization for the commercialisation of vegetal species other than maize (notably rapeseed and beets) will be given until scientific studies show there is no risk to the environment and a public debate has been conducted," the statement said.

France, which cleared last year the import and marketing of gene-maize, on Thursday authorised its cultivation, reversing a previous ban.