German Agriculture Minister Christian Schmidt notified state officials of the nation’s plans to use the new “opt out” provisions of EU regulations to prevent cultivation of genetically engineered crops in Germany, said Reuters. A new EU law gives members the power to ban GMO crops even if those crops are approved by the EU. Until now, EU members had to allow GMO crops to be grown inside their borders if they were approved by the bloc. “In the letter, the ministry stressed that Schmidt is continuing a previously-announced policy to keep a ban on GMOs in Germany,” said Reuters. Germany and France are leading EU opponents of GMOs. Britain supports them. Countries have until Oct. 3 to announce if they wish to opt out.