Scientists Object Scotland's Ban of GM Crops

Twenty eight (28) scientific organizations voiced our their concern about the recent banning of GM crops in Scotland, and submitted a letter to Richard Lochhead, the Scottish cabinet secretary for rural affairs, food, and environment.

On August 9, 2015, Lochhead announced that he would not allow the planting of insect resistant corn, the only GM crop approved for planting in the EU. He also said that he would not allow the use of six other GM crops that are being assessed by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). In his statement, he mentioned that the reason for the ban is to "protect and further enhance our clean, green status."

In the letter of the organizations, it was stated, "Traits currently being investigated that might benefit Scotland's farmers, consumers and environment include potatoes that can reduce fungicide use and omega-3–enriched oilseeds that could provide a more sustainable source of feed for salmon farming."

The scientific organizations, including the Royal Society of Edinburgh and the British Society of Plant Breeders, have asked for a meeting with Lochhead to talk about scientific evidence on GM crops. In another statement, Lochhead agreed to meet with the scientists and assured them that the ban will not affect the state of current research in Scotland.

Read the original article from Science.