The French parliament has thrown out a bill that would have allowed farmers to grow genetically modified crops.

Lawmakers narrowly rejected the bill Tuesday 136 to 135.

Protesters against the bill, some wearing hats shaped like corn cobs, cheered when the results were announced.

French Prime Minister Francois Fillon says he plans to submit a new bill to parliament.

Genetically modified crops have had their DNA engineered to make them resistant to disease and pests.

Surveys show many French oppose such foods, saying their safety is still not assured.

In February, France imposed a temporary ban on genetically modified corn approved for sale by the European Union. The corn is produced by the U.S. company Monsanto.