Scottish GM crops plan considered

There are no current applications to grow GM crops in Scotland

The Scottish Executive is to consider ways that genetically modified (GM) crops could be grown locally.

GM crops are not currently grown in Scotland but the executive will consult on a range of possible measures on a "case-by-case basis".

They include growing GM crops alongside non-GM ones, a move the Scottish Green Party complained would "inevitably result in progressive contamination".

Earlier Scottish GM trials resulted in direct action by environmentalists.

The Scottish Executive position has always been that we would consider applications on a case-by-case basis, taking account of all available scientific evidence Scottish Executive

Trials in Aberdeenshire, Inverness-shire and Fife ended in 2003.

"The Scottish Executive position has always been that we would consider applications on a case-by-case basis, taking account of all available scientific evidence," a spokesman said.

There were no current applications for GM crops to be grown in the country.

"We will, however, consult on a range of possible measures for the co-existence of GM and other forms of agriculture [organic and conventional] to inform our position on what measures might be introduced in Scotland."

Any moves to allow co-existence... is a Trojan horse that will inevitably result in progressive contamination of all food - that's the reality Scottish Greens

Until the completion of a consultation, the executive was "not in a position to say what those measures might be", he added.

But the Scottish Green Party said any moves to reintroduce crops would damage the environment and the rural economy.

Co-existence was "simply not possible", a spokesman said.

"Any move to allow co-existence, to grow GM alongside non-GM crops, is a Trojan horse that will inevitably result in progressive contamination of all food - that's the reality," he added.

Scores of protesters were arrested in 2002 after a trial GM oil seed rape crop was trampled in the Highlands.