Greens Move on GM Threat to Scotland with 'Strict' Liability Bill
Fri., February 25, 2005. 21:03.
Next test for Libdems looms as one principled Libdem MSP backs Green Bill
Mark Ruskell, Green MSP for Mid-Scotland and Fife today officially lodged his GM Liability Bill proposal in the Scottish Parliament with support from four political parties and all independent MSPs.
The Bill would make GM companies strictly liable for any economic damage as a result of contamination caused by GM crop trials and commercialisation, should it ever be forced through by the Labour/Libdem Coalition in Scotland. (1)
The proposal was endorsed by 23 MSPs representing Greens, SSP, SNP, Independents and Liberal Democrat John Farquhar Munro.
Since the widespread introduction of commercially grown GM crops in North America, there have been numerous instances of non-GM farmers losing markets and livelihoods as a result of contamination. There, contamination incidents have cost the US economy at least $12bn between 1999 and 2001. (2)
The Scottish Executive is expected to run a consultation on GM 'coexistence and liability' during the Spring, but their preferred option is thought to involve a compensation fund paid into by the biotechnology industry which falls short of the need for strict, direct liability and is considered wholly inadequate. Greens say this weak approach is consistent with the previously ridiculed proposal by the Libdems and Labour Executive to introduce a 'voluntary ban' - likened to a 'chocolate fireguard' by commentators.
Mr Ruskell said: "I'm delighted that there is a real consensus growing in parliament on the need to make biotechnology companies liable for their GM creations. With increased support for the bill, we can now legislate to protect the livelihoods of those who want to grow GM free produce in Scotland as well as the rights of those who want to eat GM free food. Across Europe the pressure to introduce GM crops is growing, it is vital that we put in place a strong backstop in the law now to make sure the biotech companies carry the can if their products cause damage in Scotland."
The next stage for the bill follows the completion of negotiations with the Parliament's Non-Executive Bills Unit over some technical considerations, then a draft Bill will be laid before a parliamentary committee for scrutiny. Then it will be ready for a Stage One debate. This is likely to take place later in the Spring or early Summer.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT THE GREEN MSP PRESS OFFICE ON 0790 99 33 074
1. Mr Mark Ruskell: Proposed Liability for Release of Genetically Modified Organisms (Scotland) Bill - Proposal for a Bill to amend the law of damages in relation to the release of genetically modified organisms by making the holder of the consent to release strictly liable for economic damages that result from GM contamination.
Following a change in parliamentary procedures, all outstanding Bill proposals are required to be submitted with the support of at least 18 other MSPs. When Mr Ruskell initially submitted the Bill proposal in 2003, he gained the support of 17 MSPs.
MSPs supporting the proposal:
1. Mark Ballard (Green) 2. Chris Ballance (Green) 3. Shiona Baird (Green) 4. Eleanor Scott (Green) 5. Robin Harper (Green) 6. Patrick Harvie (Green) 7. Tommy Sheridan (SSP) 8. Rosie Kane (SSP) 9. Colin Fox (SSP) 10. Frances Curran (SSP) 11. Rosemary Byrne (SSP) 12. Carolyn Leckie (SSP) 13. Jean Turner (Ind) 14. John Swinburne (Ind) 15. Dennis Canavan (Ind) 16. Campbell Martin (Ind) 17. Margo MacDonald (Ind) 18. Roseanna Cunningham (SNP) 19. Rob Gibson (SNP) 20. Sandra White (SNP) 21. Bruce Crawford (SNP) 22. Linda Fabiani (SNP) 23. John Farquhar Munro (Lib Dem)
2. The case for a strict liability regime is undeniable considering the North American experience. In the Canadian province of Saskatchewan, GM contamination has led to the loss of virtually the whole of the organic oilseed rape sector. To add insult to injury, farmers who have been contaminated have then been sued by biotechnology companies for unauthorised cultivation of a patented crop.
Similar incidents are estimated to have cost the US economy at least $12bn between 1999 and 2001, and as a result there are numerous protracted and messy class actions where GM free farmers collectively struggle to find some form of recompense for their economic loss.
For detailed information on the North American and Canadian GM experience and need for strict liability go t the Soil Association's "Seeds of Doubt" report at http://www.soilassociation.org/web/sa/saweb.nsf/ed0930aa86103d8380256aa70054918d/a72f34ecca9b64e880256cd70037de0a!OpenDocument
Contact the Scottish Greens' press team on 07909 933 074.