It must be remembered that honey bee directly pollinates 80% of the fruit we eat.

John Salt, beekeeper

The concerns will be expressed during a public meeting in Aberdeenshire on Thursday evening.

Scientists do not believe the experimental crops would pose any immediate threat but say they understand the beekeepers marketing concerns.

Professor David Atkinson, principal of research at the Scottish Agricultural College and GM expert, said: "If there is honey in pollen and there are products derived from GM crops then they are going to have a major problem in terms of directly selling it quite apart from whether it is legal in terms of rules or not."

However, he believes that is not sufficient reason to halt the trials.

'Careful assessment'

John Salt, the Scottish Beekeeping Association's expert on GM, reckons members' concerns should not be undermined.

He said: "It must be remembered that honey bee directly pollinates 80% of the fruit we eat."

The get-together is also expected to be attended by environmental pressure groups which claim the trial could have an adverse effect on the local economy.

Professor David Atkinson: "Major problem"

In March, MSPs backed the Scottish Executive's precautionary approach to introducing genetically modified crops and food.

Health Minister Susan Deacon told a debate in the Scottish Parliament it was not realistic for Scotland to turn its back GM developments.

She said the tests at Inverurie would be carefully assessed, strictly controlled and that they were vital to understanding genetically modified crops.

Ms Deacon also pledged to keep the public fully informed.

But Scottish Green MSP Robin Harper said the trials could do irreversible damage to Scotland's countryside.