Scottish farm leaders have cautioned that Scotland may fall behind on precision breeding policy as England, the EU and the US move forward.

According to three industry groups, Scotland's variance with the rest of the UK and global partners could hazard trade friction and additional cost.

These groups comprising of NFU Scotland, GB Potatoes and the Agricultural Industries Confederation (AIC), have urged the Scottish government to drop its disapproval to precision breeding tech, allowing farmers to 'reap the benefits' of gene-edited crops.

MORE NEWS | Arable farmers needed for gene-editing project in the UK

MORE NEWS | National Crime Action Week highlights rural crime

The letter noted that precision breeding legislation has already been authorised in England. Whilst other nations and trading blocs including the EU, Canada, US, Argentina and Australia had either passed or are seeking to pass this law.

The industry bodies argued that it was 'imperative' for Scotland to consider the same to make sure farmers 'are not left behind in this vital area of innovation'.

Precision breeding could allow plant breeders to rapidly breed more climate resilient varieties of potatoes and other staple crops for Scottish agriculture, improving yield reliability and resource efficiency, they explained.

AIC’s chief executive, Robert Sheasby noted that access to precision breeding tech was 'essential' for agriculture by allowing for more strength to the impacts of climate change.

He said: "Given that secondary legislation to implement the Precision Breeding Act for plants in England is expected to be laid in Westminster soon – and that the EU and other countries are progressing with their own laws – farmers in Scotland are set to be at a competitive disadvantage if nothing changes.

"Divergence with our trading partners and markets on precision breeding policy is a major concern for our industry as it would create extra cost and friction for the supply chains which make up our food system.

"That is why we are calling on the Scottish government to establish an independent expert working group on this priority issue."

Martin Kennedy, president of NFUS, cautioned that the Scottish government 'cannot afford to ignore the vast potential benefits of precision breeding technology.'

He commented: "Precision breeding has the potential to play a key role, including reducing emissions from agricultural production, growing the agricultural economy and underpinning national food security by ensuring resilient domestic food and feed supply."