MONTPELIER — Vermont-based ice cream maker Ben & Jerry’s has come out in support of state legislation requiring labeling of products containing genetically modified organisms, and says it will stop using such products by the end of this year.

The company, a subsidiary of international food conglomerate Unilever, said 26 of its ice cream flavors — ranging from Cherry Garcia to Mint Chocolate Cookie — already come without GMOs.

The company’s stance is winning praise from groups supporting GMO labeling, including Rural Vermont and the Vermont Public Interest Research Group.

Legislation to require labeling of products with GMOs failed to win passage last year, but backers are trying again this year.