Things are changing in Scotland. Rural Affairs Secretary Richard Lochhead has announced that growing genetically modified crops will not be permitted in this pristine country known for its clean, green status.
Lochhead said the Scottish government intends to take advantage of new EU rules allowing countries to opt out of growing GM crops. An amendment allows member states and devolved administrations to restrict or ban the cultivation of genetically modified organisms within their territory, and Scotland has swiftly moved to utilize it.
Lochhead points out, “Scotland is known around the world for our beautiful natural environment, and banning growing genetically modified crops will protect and further enhance our clean, green status.… 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. That is why I strongly support the continued application of the precautionary principle in relation to GM crops and intend to take full advantage of the flexibility allowed under these new EU rules to ban GM crops from being grown in Scotland.”