NFU Scotland hits out over GM crop ban
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THE National Farmers’ Union Scotland has expressed its "disappointment" that the Scottish Government is to ban the growing of GM crops in the country.
Richard Lochhead, the Scottish rural affairs secretary, said the Scottish Government was not prepared to gamble with the future of the country’s £14b food and drink sector.
He is to ask that Scotland be excluded from any European consents for the cultivation of genetically modified crops.
However Scott Walker, NFU Scotland chief executive, 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 positon reflecting current technology."
Mr 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 £14bn food and drink sector."
