GM crop ban: SNP claims to lead Europe

The SNP has claimed it is “leading Europe” on banning Genetically Modified (GM) crops, following suggestions Germany is set to follow Scotland and become the second EU country to prohibit their use.

Germany’s agriculture minister Christian Schmidt is consulting with his country’s state governments over an intended withdrawal from the EU-wide license to grow authorised GM crops, according to the news agency Reuters.

Member states have until 3 October to opt-out of the legislation, a move which would see an outright ban on farmers using GM organisms in their respective countries, regardless of whether or not the variety has been approved by the EU.

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SNP MSP Rob Gibson said: “Like Scotland, the German Government recognises the importance of protecting its food and drink sector and keeping its environment clean and green. 

“In government, the SNP has ensured that Scotland is at the forefront of environmental protection – legislating for world-leading climate change targets, significantly increasing renewable generation and placing a moratorium on fracking. The German decision shows that Scotland is now also leading Europe on GM crops.” 

Alison Johnstone MSP, the Scottish Greens’ food spokesperson, also backed Germany’s plans.

She said: “It’s welcome to see Germany, like Scotland, continuing with a policy of no genetically modified crops. GM is not the answer to food security, and would represent further capture of our food by big business.”

The move has been met with opposition however, with former chief science advisor to the Scottish Government, Professor Muffy Calder, warning of ‘apocalyptic’ consequences of a ban, claiming that it could leave Scottish produce susceptible to diseases. She also believes it is not founded on evidence.  

She said: “It's fear of the unknown, based on some unscrupulous articles in the very early days about potential health risks which have really not been well founded and there has been no evidence ever since”.

In a speech at the Adam Smith Institute at Westminster, Scottish Conservatives’ leader Ruth Davidson blasted the Government’s move as ‘populist’, claiming it would deter scientists and experts from coming to work in Scotland.