Monsanto, the American biotechnology firm specialising in genetically modified foods, is withdrawing from the European seed cereal business and closing its operation in Cambridge with the loss of 125 jobs.

The move came as the government prepared to publish the results of scientific tests on GM crops and their effects on the environment and wildlife.

The trials are expected to deliver a mixed verdict, giving support to the planting of GM maize but expressing caution over the impact of modified sugar beet and rape.