Scotland to issue formal ban on genetically modified crops
Ministers aim to use recent EU powers to opt out of a regime that is
expected to see greater commercial use of GM crops around Europe
Scottish ministers are planning to formally ban genetically modified crops from being grown in Scotland, widening a policy divide with the Conservative government in London.
Ministers in Edinburgh are to apply to use recent EU powers that
allow devolved administrations to opt out of a more relaxed regime,
which is expected to increase commercial use of GM crops around the EU.
The move will reinforce a long-standing moratorium on planting GM crops in Scotland and allow the Scottish National party to further distance itself from the UK government.
Backed by agribusiness, scientific bodies and the National Farmers Union, ministers in London have already signalled
that they plan to allow commercial cultivation of GM crops such as
maize and oilseed rape in England, despite significant resistance from
consumers and environmental groups.
Ministers in London have already signalled that they plan to allow
cultivation of GM crops such as oilseed rape in England, despite
opposition from consumers and environmental groups.
Photograph: Christopher Furlong/Getty Images
