A Scots MSP has called on the Scottish Government to make a U-turn over its opposition to gene editing.

Finlay Carson, MSP for Galloway and West Dumfries, warned its “narrow minded” approach towards genetic technology could harm food security.

Speaking at Holyrood yesterday, he said: “The agriculture industry in Scotland needs clear direction on future farming policies including the use of gene editing to create crops better suited to the changing climate here in Scotland, and help reduce any negative impacts of biodiversity.

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“It is clear to everyone that the SNP-led Scottish Government has chosen to take a narrow-minded approach in opposing the Genetic Technology (Precision Breeding) Act – almost certainly influenced by its coalition partners in the Green Party.

“We know that for constitutional reason rather than for the good of our agricultural sector…this Government will blindly attempt to keep pace with our European neighbours.”

The Scottish Conservative and Unionist MSP insisted it was crucial that Ministers adopted a similar regulatory stance alongside other countries around the world, including Canada, USA, Japan, Australia and Argentina.

He argued: “Despite widespread appeals from scientists, farmers and breeders, who have all highlighted Scotland’s remarkable world-leading research strengths, such as the James Hutton Institute and the Roslin Institute here in Edinburgh, the Scottish Government has remained tone deaf.

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“What are they steadfastly refusing to accept new technologies that offer faster, more precise delivery of desired traits – and, as a consequence the many opportunities to develop more sustainable, productive and climate-resilient farming systems.

“Do they really want to see our farmers going into battle with one hand tied behind their backs when it comes to producing in order to protect the clean, green brand of Scotland’s £15 billion food and drink industry.”

The Scottish Government needs to come clean over its misguided hostility towards gene editing technologies, he continued, by providing proper justification for its position, other than simply wanting to remain aligned with the EU which has historically maintained a largely anti GM position.

However Mr Carson revealed the EU is now changing its “stubborn stance” and beginning to recognise that the world is changing dramatically and food security becomes increasingly more important.

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He explained Covid, the war in Ukraine, the cost of living crisis, a more aggressive climate change shift have now sharpened the minds of the EU towards gene edited crops.

The MSP said: “So, where will that leave the Scottish Government as they will obviously have to change its narrative on the precision breeding issue. Will Ministers now listen to the science rather than the anti-science, anti-growth, indeed anti-everything Green Party?

“We need a food system that is efficient, productive, environmentally sustainable to provide nutritious food with an increasingly small environmental footprint.

“That can only happen if it is based in reality – not wishful thinking.”