GMOoilseed field trashed
GMOoilseed field trashed
POLICE are appealing for witnesses after a field of genetically modified oilseed rape was destroyed in the north of Scotland.
Five acres of crop were ripped up in the field at Roskill Farm, near Munlochy, on the Black Isle, where GM trials have been underway since March 2000. Northern Constabulary confirmed that the field was entered overnight on Apr 20/21. Anyone with information is urged to contact Dingwall Police.
The incident came just days after the Scottish Parliaments transport and environment committee called for the trial at Munlochy to be ploughed up because of concerns about its environmental impact. The committee voted five to four in favour of ending the trial after considering a petition signed by more than 4000 people.
But rural development and environment minister Ross Finnie immediately insisted that the trials would continue. "I recognise the strength of feeling which has been raised and I note the committees recommendation. But it would be illegal to act on this recommendation without evidence of harm." *