Official statistics have shown a 7% increase in the use of artificial fertilisers and pesticides on soft fruit farms across Scotland.
Murdo Fraser believes that this evidence highlights the Scottish Government’s misjudgement in banning GM crops as these foods can grow commercially without artificial fertilisers.
The Scottish Government’s annual pesticide survey has revealed that there has been a 7% increase in the amount of pesticides used compared to 2011/12 (the last date for comparable figures) which works out as an increase of 3.311kg.
Commenting Murdo Fraser MSP said:
“The Scottish Government must take notice of their own statistics which show a large increase in the amount of artificial pesticides being used since 2011/12. This is of particular interest to areas of Perth and Kinross and Fife where berry farming is an important job creator in the local economy.
“The use of disease resistant GM crops could reduce the amount of fertiliser being used on crops which highlights just how wrong-headed the Scottish Government’s decision to ban their cultivation is.
“In Perth and Kinross and Fife, berry farming is a big employer and colder, wetter summers have brought their own challenges which may have resulted in increased pesticide use. In closing down the potential for GM crop cultivation in Scotland the SNP are effectively sanctioning the use of more fertilisers which could have negative consequences for our biodiversity.”