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Germany Begins GMO Ban; Scotland Urged To Rethink Ban

Germany has started the process of banning genetically modified crops within its borders.

New rules give individual countries within the EU the ability to ban GMOs as long as it isn't based on health or environmental concerns.

As Reuters reports, German Federal Minister of Food and Agriculture Christian Schmidt wrote to fellow state governments about the country's intention to participate in the ban.

Scotland, on the other hand, has already declared a ban. Nearly 30 organization, including scientific-based organizations and Edinburgh University, have submitted an open letter pleading with the government to rethink the ban.

Those against the ban argue that outlawing GMOs will hinder research and threaten to make Scotland's scientific research noncompetitive.

Scottish environmental secretary Richard Lochhead argued the ban was supported by environmental groups but agreed to meet with the detractors.

EU countries have until October 3 of this year to declare they want out of future genetically modified approvals.

Read More:



  • Germany starts move to ban GMO crops: ministry letter (Reuters)
  • Germany moves to ban genetically modified crops (Food Navigator)
  • Science bodies urge Scottish government to rethink GM crops ban (The Guardian)


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