The humble potato is about to get a biotech makeover courtesy of German chemical company BASF SE – the largest chemical manufacturer in the world. The European Commission recently approved the cultivation of a genetically modified potato in Europe – the Amflora, which contains a gene resistant to antibiotics.
This is the first time in twelve years that a genetically modified vegetable or grain has been approved for cultivation on a commercial scale in the European Union. In addition to the Amflora potato, the European Commission also approved genetically modified maize products from Monsanto, for both food and feed purposes – though not their cultivation, according to the Guardian UK.
The starchy GM Amflora potato will be used for making paper with the industrial pulp also being proposed for use in animal feed. The recent announcement has met with considerable opposition from Austria, Italy and France. However, the Amflora potato planting may begin within thirty days.
Via Guardian UK
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written by Joanne , September 13, 2010