The Scottish Government has admitted it made no economic assessment before deciding to ban the use of GM crops in Scotland.
Today’s concession comes just weeks after it emerged the controversial decision – which has been criticised by farmers – was not based on scientific evidence.
Scottish Conservative MSP Murdo Fraser asked ministers in a Parliamentary Question: “What assessment the Scottish Government has made of the economic impact of declaring Scotland to be GM-food free?”
But rural affairs secretary Richard Lochhead could not provide any details of a formal assessment in his answer, instead saying the decision was taken to “protect the clean, green image of Scotland’s multi-billion pound food and drink sector”.
The SNP has come under fire following its decision to outlaw the use of GM crops north of the border.
Within days of the announcement, ministers were forced to admit it was not a decision made on a scientific basis.
Last month, the Royal Society of Edinburgh joined 31 other organisations in raising concerns with the Scottish Government not just about the ban itself, but the way in which the decision was reached.
It described it as an “unexpected announcement” which “does nothing to enhance Scotland’s long-standing reputation for scientific creativity” and “could disadvantage the growth of important Scottish businesses”.
The experts added the “emotive language” used by the SNP could “fuel negative public perceptions about GM and related technologies”.
Scottish Conservative finance spokesman Murdo Fraser said:
“It was bad enough that the Scottish Government wasn’t basing this on any scientific evidence.
“That could just about be forgiven if there had been a thorough economic assessment carried out.
“But now we learn the SNP didn’t bother to do that either.
“All this proves that this ill-thought out, short-sighted decision was based on nothing other than political opportunity, without any consideration for the economy or those who will have to live with the consequences.
“It’s been made clear that an outright ban on GM crops could put Scotland’s agricultural sector at a major disadvantage.
“It’s unbelievable the Scottish Government hasn’t considered this as part of a decision it must now reconsider.”