Scotland has long been a champion of agricultural improvement. Even before the agrarian revolution of the 18th century, this country had to innovate to survive in many geographic areas where the soils were ‘thin’, and so it is little wonder that there is utter disbelief from many quarters that the Scottish Government will still not allow new gene editing techniques even to be trialled in this country.
This is not taking genetic material from other species – which gave rise to the Frankenfood hysteria 20 years ago – this is about speeding up genetic improvement using genetics from within the species itself. The benefits could be huge for food crops – drought and wet weather resistance; disease and pest resistance; and an ability to produce novel characteristics, such as higher protein and differing levels of vitamins.
Quite frankly, this Luddite position taken by those who have it in their power to do the right thing – and who openly pronounce their support for Scotland’s rural areas – but will take away a potential improvement that could not only maintain our reputation as great agricultural innovators, but also give us the ability to produce crops more sustainably and with reduced inputs. Their arguments are based on what can only be political dogma and naive comprehension. Even the Greens should like this … so what’s the problem?
Even if we start now … we will still be behind in the race and at a disadvantage to others on the world stage.
Home produced
THE assertion made by Jim Walker on this page that public procurement for public utilities like hospitals and schools does not appear to have a coherent strategy is worrying. It’s not that long ago that this was set out as Government policy which would look favourably on home-produced foodstuffs – and that makes it all the more strange.
One positive that was always promised by the pro-Brexit exponents was that, freed from the shackles of Brussels’ stringent procurement regulatory process, we would be able to look after our own.
The question is: Why aren’t we?
Print deal
RISING inputs and inflationary costs are hitting every business right now and we at The Scottish Farmer are not immune, and so I’d advise those considering taking out a print subscription to take advantage of our pre-increase deal.
Like many in the printing industry, paper and labour costs have been rising fast and so our retailer price has already gone up and the subscription rate is just about to. The current offer of £134 for one year and £244 for two years – with a free Hoggs of Fife fleece worth £39.95 – ends on February 3. Turn to page 15 to see how you can take advantage of this extra special price.
