Update August 26:
Germany will also ban GMO crops. "There’s resistance from all sides, from the public to the farmers," Christian Fronczak, a spokesperson for the Agriculture Ministry, told Bloomberg. 9 of Germany’s 10 federal states have already declared themselves as GMO-Free regions.
England plans to go ahead and allow planting, despite strong citizen opposition.
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Scotland is on a roll on renewable energy, and now it’s moving to protect its land and food.
Growing genetically modified crops will not be permitted in Scotland, announced Richard Lochhead, the country’s Secretary of Rural Affairs.
This year, the EU passed legislation allowing member countries to opt-out of growing GMO crops, opening the door for Scotland to say, NO Thanks.
Scotland isn’t the first country to ban GMOs:
Lochhead explains the decision:
"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.
"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.
"Scottish food and drink is valued at home and abroad for its natural, high quality which often attracts a premium price, and I have heard directly from food and drink producers in other countries that are ditching GM because of a consumer backlash.
"That is why I strongly support the continued application of the precautionary principle in relation to GM crops."
Unfortunately, the EU law leaves loopholes that Monsanto etc. can use in litigation, and if the US-EU trade deal passes (Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership) these "legal weaknesses" can be used to challenge national bans.
In the US, the DARK Act is moving through Congress – Deny Americans the Right to Know Act – and the GMO industry is working on Africa.
Scotland also banned another industry this year – Fracking. A new policy makes efficiency the "preferred fuel" to reach its goal of 100% renewable energy. It leads on tidal energy and offshore wind.
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