Concerned with Scotland’s ban, Royal Society of Edinburgh calls for rational GMO debate

In light of the Scottish Government’s recent decision not to permit the use of EU approved genetically modified (GM) crops in Scotland, the Royal Society of Edinburgh (RSE) has published an advice paper which it hopes will stimulate a rational debate on a complex issue around which there are deeply held opposing views.

On 17 August, the RSE joined nearly 30 learned societies and research institutions to sign an open letter urging the Scottish Government to reconsider its proposed ban. More recently, the RSE formed a working group of expert RSE fellows and RSE Young Academy members to consider the impact the proposed ban could have in Scotland. Their conclusions are reflected in the advisory paper now being published.

Recognising that GM technology is a contentious subject, the RSE is concerned that the Scottish Government announcement included emotive language likely to fuel negative public perceptions. In addition, there is disappointment that the announcement was presumptive; assuming hostile public opinion despite the latest evidence which shows that acceptability of GM foods is increasing.

The RSE is also concerned that the proposal was apparently made without expert scientific advice. This, the RSE believes, could mean that opportunities presented by GM technologies are not taken into account.

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GM technologies may provide solutions to problems that arise in areas such as climate change, the availability of productive land and competing demands for natural resources such as fresh water.

Failure to adopt these technologies could also impact on the level of scientific research being carried out in Scotland and Scotland’s ability to attract and retain pioneering researchers.