This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Executive spells out precautionary approach to GM science in Scotland
23/03/2000
The health of consumers, the protection of Scotland's environment, and support for Scotland's biotechnology industry were today outlined as the Scottish Executive's main priorities in harnessing developments in GM science.
Health Minister Susan Deacon today confirmed the Executive's position on GM science in the Scottish Parliament's first ever debate on the issue.
Ministers also announced the creation of a new dedicated web site to help inform the public of new GM developments.
Ms Deacon said:
"As an Executive, we are neither for nor against GM. We are pro-safety, pro-environment, and pro-consumer choice. And we want to promote a mature and well-informed public debate on the issues - moving away from the emotive language that has coloured the issue so far.
"Last month's OECD Conference in Edinburgh was a start in that process. It provided a forum for perhaps the most constructive and inclusive dialogue so far.
"GM science crosses international boundaries. That is why this Executive will work in partnership with the rest of the UK and other countries to ensure adequate safeguards are put in place while the potential of GM science is tested. The potential to benefit Scotland - and any potential for harm.
"We are taking a precautionary approach to GM crops and food - underpinned by one of the toughest regulatory frameworks in the world. Regulation before individual products are approved. Regulation to ensure that GM developments occur within a strategic framework. Regulation not just by science of science - but with strong independent and lay representation.
"Strong regulation and a well-informed public debate are at the heart of our approach. We are launching today a Scottish GM web site that will include full details of that regulatory framework, along with all new GM developments as they affect Scotland. This will include details of the first farm-scale trial site for GM crops in Scotland that Ross Finnie announced last week - together with any future developments.
"Carefully assessed, strictly-controlled farm-scale trial sites are not 'GM development by the back door'. They are vital to our understanding of this new technology and the impact it may have on Scotland's unique climate and ecology. Farm-scale evaluations are the precautionary principle in practice.
"Equally important is the public's right to know what is going on, where it is going on and why. That is why we will make public the exact location of all trial sites and have a put a fuller explanation of the purpose of these trials on our website.
"Better information is, we believe, the key to informed choices on whether to grow or eat GM products. We are committed to ensuring consumers know what they are buying and eating. Better labelling of foods is a priority if we are to allow real consumer choice.
"In Scotland, we already label GM soya and maize. We now want to extend that further. We want to promote 'GM free' labelling on food products for consumers, and labelling for animal feed with GM ingredients. The maximum possible information to ensure the maximum level of choice.
"Scotland cannot and should not close its boundaries to GM science. Our biotechnology industry is at the leading edge of a new world technology. The medical advances alone from GM developments could bring new medicines, vaccines, and treatments to tackle diseases like cancer and cystic fibrosis.
"Where potential for good is proven we will grasp it. Where unacceptable harm is demonstrated we can and will act. A precautionary approach. A pragmatic approach. A partnership approach to an international issue."
News Release: SE0821/2000
23 Mar 2000