Graham
08-08-2015, 11:16 PM
Scotland to ban GM crop growing
9 AUGUST 2015 BBC NEWS
Scotland is to ban the growing of genetically modified crops, the country's rural affairs secretary has announced.
Richard Lochhead said the Scottish government was not prepared to "gamble" with the future of Scotland's £14bn food and drink sector.
He is to request that Scotland be excluded from any European consents for the cultivation of GM crops.
But farming leaders said they were disappointed by the move.
Mr Lochhead said the request for opt-outs from GM crop consent would cover an EU approved variety of genetically modified maize and six other GM crops that are awaiting authorisation.
He said that Scotland was known around the world for its "beautiful natural environment" and banning the growing of genetically modified crops would protect and further enhance its "clean, green status".
'Consumer backlash'
Mr Lochhead added: "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.
"Scottish food and drink is valued at home and abroad for its natural, high quality which often attracts a premium price, and I have heard directly from food and drink producers in other countries that are ditching GM because of a consumer backlash."
more.. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-33833958
9 AUGUST 2015 BBC NEWS
Scotland is to ban the growing of genetically modified crops, the country's rural affairs secretary has announced.
Richard Lochhead said the Scottish government was not prepared to "gamble" with the future of Scotland's £14bn food and drink sector.
He is to request that Scotland be excluded from any European consents for the cultivation of GM crops.
But farming leaders said they were disappointed by the move.
Mr Lochhead said the request for opt-outs from GM crop consent would cover an EU approved variety of genetically modified maize and six other GM crops that are awaiting authorisation.
He said that Scotland was known around the world for its "beautiful natural environment" and banning the growing of genetically modified crops would protect and further enhance its "clean, green status".
'Consumer backlash'
Mr Lochhead added: "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.
"Scottish food and drink is valued at home and abroad for its natural, high quality which often attracts a premium price, and I have heard directly from food and drink producers in other countries that are ditching GM because of a consumer backlash."
more.. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-33833958