Whether it will make a statement regarding the justification for the genetic crop research being carried out in Scotland, and give an assur…

It is essential that scientific information is available on the environmental effects of genetically modified crops before decisions are taken on wider use. It is important that full information is obtained on the effects of genetically modified crops under Scottish conditions, which can be very different from elsewhere in the UK. Sound future policy cannot be formulated without this information.The Advisory Committee on Releases to the Environment (ACRE) has advised that the information from decades of experience with producing seeds to specific purity levels can be used to estimate the level of cross pollination which is likely to occur between crops in adjacent fields at specific distances. It is not possible, however, to guarantee absolutely that no cross pollination will occur, even with very large separation distances, although the amount of cross pollination decreases rapidly with distance.All crops in the farm-scale evaluations are being grown in accordance with the SCIMAC (Supply Chain Initiative on Modified Agricultural Crops) Code of Practice and Guidelines. The guidelines set out proposed separation distances between GM and non-GM crops and are based on internationally recognised criteria for ensuring high purity in seed production.