Scotland Destroys GM Seeds

Matt Hopkins Posted by Matt Hopkins|16 September 2008

Stating that genetically modified (GM) seeds from a batch of herbicide-tolerant rapeseed (canola) could pose a "very serious” environmental risk, Scotland’s government ordered an immediate halt to scientific trials and announced that the seeds would be destroyed by the National Institute of Agricultural Botany Seed Handling Unit and overseen by the GM Inspectorate. The new canola variety, which were planted on three trial sites, contained "small amounts" of unauthorized GM material, said the government, which assured the public that the seeds did not represent any current risk, as the plants were not allowed to mature and produce pollen and seed.