Defra has approved an application by the company BASF to undertake trials of a GM disease-resistant potato. The trials will take place on two sites in England, starting in 2007.

The BASF application has been evaluated by the independent expert group the Advisory Committee of Releases to the Environment (ACRE). It is satisfied that the trials will not result in any adverse effect on human health or the environment.

The GM potato developed by BASF is resistant to late potato blight. This can be a significant disease problem for UK potato growers, who normally combat it by applying chemical fungicides.

The purpose of the research trials is to test the effectiveness of the potato's resistance against UK strains of the disease. Similar trials are already underway in three other European countries.

Reflecting ACRE's advice, precautionary conditions have been attached to the statutory consent for the trials (see notes to editors for link to the schedule of conditions). These conditions will ensure that GM material does not persist at the trial sites. The harvested GM potatoes will not be used for food or animal feed.

Environment Minister Ian Pearson said: 'Our top priority on this issue remains protecting consumers and the environment, and a rigorous independent assessment has concluded that these trials do not give rise to any safety concerns'.

'Based on the independent advice we have received, appropriate conditions have been specified for the conduct of the trials, and our GM Inspectorate will ensure that these are met. As the GM potatoes are being grown for research purposes they will not be used for food or animal feed.'

Further background on the BASF application and the statutory consent can be found at http://www.defra.gov.uk/environment/gm/regulation/consents/index.htm

The relevant ACRE advice is available at
http://www.defra.gov.uk/environment/gm/regulation/consents/index.htm
http://www.defra.gov.uk/environment/acre/pubs.htm