Scotland to Prohibit GMO Crops

The Scottish government announced Sunday that it will formally prohibit genetically modified crops.

The country is utilizing new European Union rules that allow countries to opt out of EU-approved GM crops. “The Scottish Government will shortly submit a request that Scotland is excluded from any European consents for the cultivation of GM crops, including the variety of genetically modified maize already approved and six other GM crops that are awaiting authorization,” the Scottish Government said in a statement.

Rural affairs secretary Richard Lochhead also released a statement saying there is no evidence of high demand for GMO crops among Scottish consumers, and that he fears allowing GM crops would damage the country’s “clean and green brand.”

The new ban will not stop ongoing research regarding GMOs taking place in Scotland, the Guardian reports.