The story appears on

Page A9

August 10, 2015

GET this page in PDF

Free for subscribers

View shopping cart

Related News

Home » World

Scotland to ban growing of GM crops

Scotland’s devolved government said yesterday it intends to ban the growing of genetically modified (GM) crops on its territory to protect its “clean and green brand” and because there was little evidence that Scottish consumers wanted such products.

Widely grown in the Americas and Asia, GM crops have divided opinion in Europe, with some green groups saying they are worried about their environmental impact. They have also questioned whether they are healthy for humans. Producers say research shows the crops are safe.

Richard Lochhead, the Scottish government’s minister for the environment, food and rural affairs, said yesterday he plans to take advantage of new European Union rules allowing countries to opt out of growing EU-authorized GM crops.

“Scotland is known around the world for our beautiful natural environment — and banning growing genetically modified crops will protect our clean, green status,” he said.

“There is no evidence of demand for GM products by Scottish consumers and I’m concerned that allowing GM crops to be grown in Scotland would damage our brand.”

Lochhead, a member of the Scottish National Party, said he had told the British government of the policy decision.




 

Copyright © 1999- Shanghai Daily. All rights reserved.Preferably viewed with Internet Explorer 8 or newer browsers.

沪公网安备 31010602000204号

Email this to your friend