Scotland moves to ban cultivation of genetically modified crops
Local officials in Scotland have announced a new decision to ban the cultivation of genetically modified (GM) crops as per European Union’s regulations.
The decision was announced on Sunday, with Scottish officials noting that the decision was in line with regulations introduced by the EU earlier this year, AFP reported.
According to a statement released by the Scottish government, EU regulations allow countries to decide not to grow genetically modified crops.
"The Scottish government will shortly submit a request that Scotland is excluded from any European consents for the cultivation of GM crops, including the variety of genetically modified maize already approved and six other GM crops that are awaiting authorization," the statement said.
Meanwhile, Scotland’s rural affairs secretary, Richard Lochhead, said the Scottish government is not ready to "gamble" with the future of the country's £14-billion food and drink sector.
Lochhead added that Scotland's request to be excluded from GM crop consent would cover an EU-approved variety of genetically modified maize and six other GM crops.
The move by Scottish officials has been generally welcomed by environmental groups.
However, Scott Walker, chief executive of farming union, NFU Scotland, said he was disappointed that the Scottish government had 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," he said.
The Scottish government, which is seated in Edinburgh, has been responsible for adopting some domestic policies, including agricultural policies, since power was devolved from the British government in London in 1999.
At present, no GM crops are cultivated commercially across Britain, but the government in London supports the use of GM crops as long as they are assessed to be safe.
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