Following the announcement by the Scottish Government that is to ban the growing of genetically modified (GM) crops in Scotland, researchers at the Dundee-based James Hutton Institute have said that biotechnology remains a key tool for the delivery of solutions to global challenges, which include food and environment security.
Speaking at this year's Potatoes in Practice event, Professor Iain Gordon said: "The research demonstrated at Potatoes in Practice is evidence of how the Institute develops its reputation for world-leading research on crop genetic improvement and diversity, in partnership with scientific and industry bodies."
The plant and environment research at the James Hutton Institute develops and uses new gene technology to study the links between genes and plant traits. However, the Institute does not cultivate commercial GM crops.
Because of its ability to use GM crops in controlled and field experiments, the Institute has made major contributions to the policy and regulatory frameworks for the release of GM crops in Europe and in relation to food/feed safety issues.
Professor Gordon went on: "We recognise the well documented position of the Scottish Government in relation to its policy on GM crops, and respect their role as one of our portfolio of funders. As such, we will be responding to the Scottish Government consultation on a Future for Scottish Agriculture. The consultation provides an opportunity for the Institute to provide a scientific perspective on the Scottish Government's policy on achieving its stated vision of green, innovative and profitable agriculture.
"This will include detailed representation for the use of the most appropriate technologies to support research and development which can secure competitive industries in the face of a growing number of issues impacting on food security."
Market round-up
Messrs Craig Wilson Ltd sold 147 store heifers at Ayr on Thursday to a top of £1235 per head and 243.1p per kg to average £926.87 and 212.6p (-3.2p on the fortnight), while 289 store, beef-bred bullocks peaked at £1420 and 255.7p to level at £950.97 and 218.6p (-0.1p). Forty-three store, B&W bullocks sold to £835 and 179p to average £764.88 and 161.6p (-4.1p).
The Cumberland and Dumfriesshire Farmers Mart sold 2463 prime lambs in Longtown on Thursday to a top of £86 per head and 186p per kg to average 148.1p (-6.9p on the week).
A large show of 5169 cast sheep saw heavy ewes sell to £140 for Texels and average £72.21 (-£6.61), while light ewes peaked at £76 for Hill Cheviots and levelled at £38.94 (-£5.24). Rams sold to £145 for a Texel and averaged £89.18.
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