Corrective measures have been taken after trial sowings of a new variety of oilseed rape in Scotland were found to contain small amounts of unauthorised genetically modified (GM) material.

Corrective measures have been taken after trial sowings of a new variety of oilseed rape in Scotland were found to contain small amounts of unauthorised genetically modified (GM) material.

No GM crop may be grown in Europe unless it has explicit approval for cultivation under the GM Food and Feed Regulation or the Deliberate Release of GMOs into the Environment Directive.

In this incident, a seed sample of a new conventional oilseed rape variety submitted into the UK's National List trialling programme has been found to contain small amounts of a genetically modified herbicide-tolerant oilseed rape.

Unfortunately, the contaminated seed had already been sown at two trial sites in Aberdeen and another in the Lothians. Although these sowings represent a technical breach of the GM regulations, risk to the environment would only be present if the plants were allowed to mature and produce pollen and set seed.

The Scottish Government's GM Inspectorate is to destroy the plants. Other seed samples that were due to be sown at sites in England and Scotland have been sent for destruction.

Minister for the Environment Michael Russell said: "Had these plants been allowed to mature, the risk to the environment could have been very serious. However, prompt action by the Scottish Government is ensuring that the situation is remedied."

Jim McLaren, NFU Scotland president commented: "NFUS agrees that the current EU rules relating to cultivation of GM crops should not be breached, however, the time has clearly come for there to be a sensible and scientifically-based discussion on the role of biotechnology in agriculture ...

"This is particularly important in a world where we cannot guarantee a secure supply of food."