A ban on growing genetically-modified crops in Scotland could threaten the country's contribution to scientific research, according to scientists, universities and farming leaders.
Rural Affairs Secretary Richard Lochhead announced the move earlier this month.
Almost 30 organisations have signed an open letter seeking an urgent meeting with him to discuss their concerns. Mr Lochhead said the changes would not affect research.
Under EU rules, GM crops must be formally authorised before they can be cultivated.
The scientists and academics said outlawing the cultivation of GM crops "risks constraining Scotland's contribution to research and leaving Scotland without access to agricultural innovations which are making farming more sustainable elsewhere in the world."
