YOUR editorial ("Ban on GM crops lacks robust evidence" The Herald, September 11) fails to take into account several crucial factors in relation to the Scottish Government's decision to prevent experimentation with GM crops in Scotland.

There is a very significant body of research, which is growing almost daily, which places a very large question mark against the long term effects of Genetically Modified (GM) crops. It should be borne in mind that more than 80 per cent of all GM crops are modified to be "Roundup ready" which allows the grower to apply massive doses of weedkiller to the crop. The active ingredient of these weedkillers is Glyphosphate, which has been declared a probable carcinogen by the World Health Organisation(WHO). A Canadian study has found traces of this chemical in the blood in a very high percentage of unborn foetuses. Do we really want to endanger our children?

However, it is not only in the laboratory that the negative effects of GM crops are found. In many countries where GM crops have been introduced farmers have found that GM crops have not increased yield at all but have massively increased costs leading to bankruptcies and suicides. Even in cases where GM corporations have claimed success in combating a specific pest the law of unintended consequences has come into play and previously inconsequential pests take advantage of the new situation to decimate the crops.

The scientific community is vociferous in its support of research into GM crops but one has to question how much of this is due to the fact that the vast majority of research funding comes from the very corporations or organisations linked to or funded by which manufacture these crops. The New York Times recently published an article revealing the extent to which the biotech industry has colluded with academics to promote the “health and safety of their product.” We must also be wary of certain scientific sounding "alliances" which purport to be independent on the issue but have been shown to be funded front organisations for the GM manufacturers. Those interested in obtaining a balance they should read Steven M. Druker, author of Altered Genes, Twisted Truth. How the Venture to Genetically Engineer Our Food Has Subverted Science, Corrupted Government and Systematically Deceived the Public".

Perhaps it would be informative if the GM supporters would explain why more than $100 million has been spent by the manufacturers of GM to try to prevent labelling which would show if the foodstuff contains GM ingredients. It is certainly not the cost of altering packaging, as this is minimal in comparison to the above amount. Why do they not want us to know?

Once GM crops are allowed into the ecosystem there is no going back and Pandora's box will have been well and truly opened.

David Stubley,

22 Templeton Crescent, Prestwick.

THE Scottish Government has always been clear about the reasons behind our GM policy. Recent changes in the European Union broke the link between scientific assessment of the safety of a GM crop – which is undertaken on behalf of EU countries by the European Food Safety Authority – and the decision whether or not a GM crop may be grown in a certain area or region.

Our decision was not one based on scientific considerations but, rather, one which took into account the wider ramifications that GM crops might have for Scotland. Indeed I set out our rationale in detail in the Herald last month, in the Agenda article (“Ban on GM crops makes sense ethically and is good for the economy and our standing”, The Herald, August 13).

Europe’s biggest country, Germany, as well as other EU states and regions, look set to follow Scotland’s lead.

The announcement last week that turnover for our booming food and drink sector has hit a record high of £14.3 billion validates the Scottish Government’s position. Scotland’s global reputation for fresh, tasty and naturally high quality premium produce is key to this phenomenal success and it would be foolish to put that at risk.

Richard Lochhead,

Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Food and the Environment,

The Scottish Parliament, Holyrood, Edinburgh.