The government of Scotland has decided to ban the cultivation of crops that contain genetically modified organisms, said the BBC. “There is no evidence of significant demand for GM products by Scottish consumers,” said Richard Lochhead, the rural affairs secretary, “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.” Lochhead “is to request that Scotland be excluded from any European consents for the cultivation of GM crops,” said the BBC. The EU adopted rules earlier this year that allow its members and devolved administrations to restrict or ban GMOs within their borders.
“Mr. Lochhead said Scotland’s 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 authorization,” said the BBC. A member of Scotland’s Green Party welcomed the announcement and said the government also should require labeling by grocers that indicates whether meat, eggs or dairy products came from animals given GM feed. A farm group and an agricultural-science group said Scotland was taking the wrong course.