Environment Minister Roseanna Cunningham has re-affirmed the Scottish Government's stand against Genetically Modified food in an address to the fifth international conference on GM-free regions in Europe.
"We know very little, if anything, about the long-term effects of growing GM crops. To take risks with our natural environment is wholly indefensible and irresponsible," said the new Environment Minister, speaking at the conference on Friday.
While GM has generated vast wealth globally for those growing the patented crops, many in the farming industry have questioned the wisdom of playing with nature.
"When you consider our natural environment is worth around £17 million per year to the Scottish economy, we simply cannot afford to take risks with untested technologies," said Cunningham
Cunningham said consumers everywhere were opposed to GM food, whether it be in supermarkets or grown in our fields.
"We are ready to stand shoulder to shoulder with other nations who are opposed to GM and fight for what our people want."
GM Free
According to the Soil Association much of the maize and the soya
feed used by
dairy and pig farmers is GM, although some supermarkets like Marks and
Spencers have taken steps to ensure the non-GM providence of the food
they sell.
In Edinburgh, smaller food retailers such as Real Foods, Hendersons, and those found at the Edinburgh Farmers market carry organic food which is GM-free.