Written Question · S1W-20348 · Session 1
Whether the conditions of consent granted for the planting of genetically modified oilseed rape at Roskill Farm, Munlochy, Ross-shire inclu…
The question
To ask the Scottish Executive whether the conditions of consent granted for the planting of genetically modified oilseed rape at Roskill Farm, Munlochy, Ross-shire included any requirement that the genetically modified proportion of the crop be a quarter of the si'e of the control crop; what the reasons are for the position on this matter, and whether any such requirement has any impact on the efficiency of food production.
The answer
The crop of genetically modified oilseed rape comprises just under 15 hectares of the 40 hectare field with the conventional control crop growing in the remainder of the field. The consent which applies to releases of this particular genetically modified crop does not permit more than 15 hectares to be released on an individual site. Identical sampling methods and equal numbers of control points are used in both parts of the field. The farm scale evaluation programme is not concerned with the efficiency of food production. The programme is designed to assess the impact on biodiversity of the agricultural practices associated with growing genetically modified crops.
In the Official Report
No contribution in the Official Report cites S1W-20348 by reference.