Scotland wants to ban harmful GMO crops from Monsanto, Syngenta, Con Agra and other Frankenfood corporations which increasingly poison and monopolize the world’s seed supply. Commondreams.org reports that rural affairs secretary Richard Lochhead said, “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.”
Scotland protects Its Food and People
Scottish government officials announced August 9, 2015 that they will impose a ban on the domestic cultivation of genetically modified (GM or GMO) crops. They attracted praise from environmental and food safety campaigners. Bravo for Scotland! The country follows France and several other countries, with long tradition of healthy food, in banning the pesticide laden crops.
Lochhead said, “The Scottish Government has long-standing concerns about GM crops—concerns that are shared by other European countries and consumers, and which should not be dismissed lightly.”
European Union loosens Stranglehold
The Scottish government invoked recently-passed European Union powers that permit individual governments like Scotland’s to ban GM crop cultivation within their lands. Common Dreams said that critics have expressed concern EU legislation won’t go far enough. It fails now to ensure protection from legal challenges to GMO bans.
The rural affairs office said, “The Scottish government will shortly submit a request that Scotland is excluded from any European consents for the cultivation of GM crops, including the variety of genetically modified maize already approved and six other GM crops that are awaiting authorization.”
While the statement did not indicate whether the ban extends to scientific research, the Guardian reported that a spokeswoman confirmed laboratory research on GMOs would continue.
The ban signals a growing gap between Scottish National Party and United Kingdom’s conservative Tory government housed in London; the latter announced earlier this summer it will allow cultivation of GM crops.
Scottish Government anti-GMO
Director of Friends of the Earth-Scotland, Richard Dixon, told Scottish newspaper The National: “The Scottish government has been making anti-GM noises for some time, but the new Tory government has been trying to take us in the direction of GM being used in the UK, so it is very good news that Scottish ministers are taking that stance.”
