GM: JOHNSTONE WELCOMES OPT-OUT, URGES ACTION ON LABELLING
Responding to confirmation that the Scottish Government intends to use EU rules allowing countries to opt out of growing GM crops, Alison Johnstone MSP, the Scottish Greens’ food spokesperson, said:
"Opting out of growing genetically-modified crops is the right move for Scotland. Cultivation of GM crops would harm our environment and our reputation for high quality food and drink.
"GM is not the answer to food security, and would represent further capture of our food by big business. Scotland has huge potential with a diverse mix of smaller-scale producers and community food initiatives, and we need to see those grow further.
"While the Scottish Government's decision is a step in the right direction, we need to see ministers go further. Most consumers want meat, eggs and dairy labelled to show whether they come from animals fed on GM feed. The Scottish Government needs to challenge big retailers to improve their labelling so that we have real choice as shoppers."