Scotland to ban production of genetically modified crop

Scottish ministers are planning to implement a ban on the production of genetically modified (GM) crops in the country.

It is being speculated that ministers in Edinburgh will use the recent rule formulated by the European Union (EU) that gives member states the power to ban the cultivation of GM crops even if they have been approved by the bloc’s food safety authority.

EU rules specify that the cultivation of GM crops must be formally authorised.

The move is likely to result in an increase of policy divide between Scottish ministers and the Conservative Government in London, reported the Guardian.

Despite opposition from consumers and environmental groups, the UK Government has hinted at the possibility of allowing commercial cultivation of GM crops, including maize and oilseed rape in England.

Scotland’s environment secretary Richard Lochhead was quoted by the Guardian as saying: "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 £14bn food and drink sector.

"The Scottish Government has long-standing concerns about GM crops, concerns that are shared by other European countries and consumers, and which should not be dismissed lightly. I firmly believe that GM policy in Scotland should be guided by what’s best for our economy and our own agricultural sector rather than the priorities of others."

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Image: EU has given its member states the power to ban the cultivation of GM crops even if they have been approved by the bloc’s food safety authority. Photo: courtesy of Mister GC/ freedigitalphotos.net.