By selecting the Munlochy site, the committee (which includes members from the RSPB and the natural heritage agencies) has ensured that the distinctive ecology of the area is included within the research programme. As winter oilseed rape is widely grown in the north of Scotland, the site will provide valuable data on the possible impact on biodiversity, whether positive or negative, of growing a GM variety on a commercial scale in this region.The scientific information obtained from the Munlochy trial, together with data from the UK evaluation programme, will enable informed views to be reached before decisions are taken on possible wider commercial use.