The Scottish government has dismayed farming groups by announcing that growing genetically modified crops will not be allowed north of the border.
Rural affairs secretary Richard Lochhead confirmed yesterday that the Scottish government planned to take advantage of new EU rules allowing individual countries to opt out of growing GM-authorised crops. It will submit an official request for exclusion to the EU shortly.
“Scotland is known around the world for our beautiful natural environment - and banning growing genetically modified crops will protect and further enhance our clean, green status,” Lochhead said.
“There is no evidence of significant demand for GM products by Scottish consumers and I am concerned that allowing GM crops to be grown in Scotland would damage our clean and green brand, thereby gambling with the future of our £14 billion food and drink sector.”
Lochhead added that the Scottish government had “longstanding concerns” about GM crops and felt its decision was in the best interests of Scottish agriculture and economy.
The decision was criticised by NFU Scotland, which suggested the country could get left behind. Chief executive Scott Walker said: “We are disappointed that the Scottish government has decided that no GM crops should ever be grown in Scotland.Other countries are embracing biotechnology where appropriate and we should be open to doing the same here in Scotland.
“Decisions should be taken on the individual merits of each variety, based on science and determined by whether the variety will deliver overall benefit. These crops could have a role in shaping sustainable agriculture at some point and at the same time protecting the environment which we all cherish in Scotland.
“What we want is an open debate that then allows decisions to be taken from an informed position reflecting current technology.”
