European proposals to re-nationalise policy on the use of animal feed containing GM (genetically modified) ingredients are unworkable and could throw the Scottish, UK and European livestock sectors into disarray, according to NFU Scotland.
The European Commission is proposing to shift decision-making on GM feed or food back to Member States. The move would retain responsibility within Europe for the authorisation of new GM products, but then allow the decision to be made at the Member State level whether or not to allow the use of any GM product in animal feed or food.
NFU Scotland believes that, if adopted, the policy could cause serious distortions across internal borders and goes against the principle of a common EU market. It would also be highly disruptive and virtually impossible to implement and police.
Scotland is already reliant on imports for its protein feed requirements, most of which is GM. Any change to that arrangement would have ramifications for many of the nation's producers, particularly in the pig and poultry sectors, where imported protein is a huge part of rations.
The proposals were a key issue for discussion at COPA, the umbrella group for European farming unions, taking place in Portugal and attended by NFUS President Allan Bowie.
Speaking from Lisbon, Mr Bowie said: "With this proposal, Europe runs the risk of setting a dangerous precedent which goes against the core principle of having common policies that operate across Europe. Approval of GM feed and food must remain at an EU-wide level and be firmly based on sound scientific evidence.
"Opening the door to nations or regions introducing unilateral arrangement would wreak havoc on existing trade, undermine competitiveness across Europe and drive up costs for those producers affected."
Market round-up
Messrs Craig Wilson Ltd sold 260 store heifers at Ayr on Thursday to a top of £1185 per head and 294.1p per kg to average £857.94 and 226.5p, while 305 store, beef-bred bullocks peaked at £1400 and 313p to level at £962.56 and 224.1p. Sixty-one store, B&W bullocks sold to £970 and 188p to average £798.85 and 173.1p.
The Cumberland and Dumfriesshire Farmers Mart sold 4418 prime hoggs in Longtown on Thursday to a top of £102 per head and 235p per kg to average 184.5p (-4.5p on the week).
A slightly smaller show of 2855 cast sheep saw heavy ewes sell to £148 for Texels and average £94.59 (-£13.21), while light ewes peaked at £87 for Blackfaces and levelled at £57.75 (-£11.46). Rams sold to £168 for a Texel and averaged £107.04 (-26p).
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