Go-ahead given for Scots GM trials
24 August 2000
Go-ahead given for Scots GM trials
By Fwi staff
SCOTTISH farm minister Ross Finnie has given the go-ahead for four farms to sow genetically modified winter oilseed rape.
These are part of the ongoing UK farm-scale trials to assess the environmental impact of growing GM crops.
Having taken advice from experts, Mr Finnie is convinced that the GM trials did not pose any threat either to the environment or to public health.
The four Scottish farms that will now drill the GM rape are all in the north of the country.
Two are located in Daviot, one in Rothienorman in Aberdeenshire and the other at Munlochy in Ross-shire.
Mr Finnie added that a separation distance of at least 100m would apply to the trial sites to prevent cross-pollination with any conventional oilseed rape being grown nearby.
Current guidelines agreed by environment ministers in London suggest a 50m buffer zone is sufficient.
To date, Scotland has only had one farm involved in GM trials.