Parliament Workbench
Data: Motions & questions to 19 Nov 2026

Written Question · S1W-30466 · Session 1

Whether non-GM crops grown in close proximity to the GM crop trials can be harvested and sold to the public without the location of such cr…

Answered Asked by Nicola Sturgeon SNP Lodged 9 Oct 2002

The question

To ask the Scottish Executive whether non-GM crops grown in close proximity to the GM crop trials can be harvested and sold to the public without the location of such crops being identified.

The answer

Answered by Ross Finnie on 22 Oct 2002 · 13 days after it was lodged, on time

Crops grown outwith the separation distance around a GM crop do not come within the scope of the legislation regulating GM releases. Growers, whether they are the farmer involved in the trial or neighbouring landowners, are at liberty to do what they wish with these crops. Before a GM crop is approved for release, the possible consequences of pollen flow from the crop is assessed carefully. Approval would not be granted if there was considered to be a safety threat to neighbouring crops or to human health.

In the Official Report

No contribution in the Official Report cites S1W-30466 by reference.