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August 10, 2015

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Scotland to ban growing of GM crops

Scotland鈥檚 devolved government said yesterday it intends to ban the growing of genetically modified (GM) crops on its territory to protect its 鈥渃lean and green brand鈥 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鈥檚 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.

鈥淪cotland is known around the world for our beautiful natural environment 鈥 and banning growing genetically modified crops will protect our clean, green status,鈥 he said.

鈥淭here is no evidence of demand for GM products by Scottish consumers and I鈥檓 concerned that allowing GM crops to be grown in Scotland would damage our brand.鈥

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


 

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