Scotland will ban the cultivation of genetically modified crops, taking advantage of new EU rules, the Scottish minister of rural affairs announced on Monday. “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,” Rural Affairs Secretary Richard Lochhead told the media. Scotland plans to formally ban genetically modified crops in a move to protect the country’s clean, green image. Mr Lochhead has confirmed that the Scottish Government intends to apply recent EU legislation that allows countries to restrict or ban the cultivation of genetically modified crops on their own territory, even if this is allowed at EU level. The minister announced the Scottish Government would 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 authorisation. “There is no evidence of significant demand for GM products by Scottish consumers and I am concerned that allowing GM crops to be grown in Scotland would damage our clean and green brand, thereby gambling with the future of our £14 billion food and drink sector,” Richard Lochhead explained. “That is why I strongly support the continued application of the precautionary principle in relation to GM crops and intend to take full advantage of the flexibility allowed under these new EU rules to ban GM crops from being grown in Scotland.” The decision is expected to widen a policy divide with ministers in London, who have already signalled that they plan to allow the commercial cultivation of GM crops such as maize and oilseed rape in England, despite significant resistance from consumers and environmental groups. The Soil Association, a British charity campaigning for organic food and farming, welcomed the ban. Soil Association Policy Director, Peter Melchett said, “Scotland's determination to keep out GM crops is good news for the UK as a whole, because it sets a high standard that England, Wales and Northern Ireland must now live up to.” (ab)