Legal opinion obtained by the environmental pressure group claims that the Assembly could ban the release of genetically-modified organisms into the Welsh environment until they are proved safe.

BBC Wales's Rhuanedd Richards reports

These powers, FoE Cymru said, came under the Environmental Protection Act.

At a meeting with Ms Gwyther and Assembly officials, representatives of the group were promised a detailed response to the legal opinion within three weeks.

Agriculture Secretary Christine Gwyther is to respond

The campaign to persuade the Assembly to ban the growing of GM crops in Wales was launched at the Royal Welsh Show in July.

An open letter was published. signed by a wide range of interested individuals, including Assembly Members from all four parties.

The previous month, in June, the Conservative group in the Assembly succeeded in passing a motion proposing that Wales should take a lead in the control of GM foods.

Tory leader Nick Bourne wants a GM-free Wales

Now, the leader of the Conservative Assembly group, Professor Nick Bourne, called for Wales to be GM-free for more than three years.

The Conservatives were backed by Plaid Cymru and the Liberal Democrats.