Jon Stanhope said he supported the role of researchers in the ACT and the research being proposed by the CSIRO.

The Canberra Times revealed yesterday that CSIRO had made applied to grow the GM corn to produce antibiotic-resistant and herbicide-tolerant varieties of the crop.

The proposal identified seven risks associated with the proposal, including increased allergies and toxins in people.

But it rated the likelihood of those risks as negligible.

The crops would be grown at an undisclosed CSIRO site in Canberra covering an area of 750sqm.

Mr Stanhope said it was difficult to argue against GM crops in the ACT after NSW had opened the door for genetically modified canola to be grown.

''We are a tiny island within the heart of NSW and for us to seek to adopt a position different now to NSW flies in the face of reason.''

But Greens candidate for Molonglo Shane Rattenbury said the party was opposed to GM crops.

He said there were still significant concerns about their health and environmental impacts .

''We are opposed to GM crops being grown in the ACT and we think there should be a national moratorium on the release of genetically modified organisms into agriculture or other ecosystems,'' Mr Rattenbury said.

''Once it's out there it's irreversible.

''You can't recall genetic pollution.''

He said CSIRO should have consulted the ACT Government before applying to the Office of the Gene Technology Regulator. But Mr Stanhope said the research being proposed by CSIRO was important and needed to be supported.

''I would find it passing strange that any considered opinion in relation to scientific research would propose that the CSIRO would not conduct research into the genetic modification of crops with the sorts of outcomes that the CSIRO is seeking to achieve,'' he said.

The Liberal Party did not respond to inquiries on the issue.

Written submissions on the plan are being received by the Office of the Gene Technology Regulator until November 10.