Limburgerhof, Germany
June 16, 2007
- EU Commission is expected to
adopt its positive proposal for approval
- BASF Plant Science expects commercial cultivation of Amflora
in 2008
Today, the Council of Agricultural
ministers failed to reach a definitive decision on the
commercial cultivation of
BASF’s
genetically optimized starch potato “Amflora”.
Immediate approval would have required a qualified majority of
about 74%. Under EU law, the EU Commission now has to decide
upon the approval of the genetically optimized starch potato
Amflora.
The EU Commission initiated the approval process by showing
support for the cultivation of Amflora with a recommendation for
approval in their ‘Draft Commission Decision’. This Draft
Decision is based on a positive evaluation of Amflora by the
European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). EFSA has repeatedly
stated that Amflora is for humans, animals and the environment
as safe as any conventional potato.
The EU Commission’s approval is prerequisite for commercial
cultivation of Amflora. When approved, BASF’s starch potato will
be the first genetically enhanced product to be permitted for
cultivation in Europe since 1998. Amflora is developed by
European experts in the potato starch industry, designed to
strengthen the competitiveness of the European starch industry
versus competition from other starch sources.
BASF plans to start commercial cultivation in cooperation with
the starch industry and their contract farmers in 2008.
Potato pulp, or the remains of the potatoes after starch
extraction, is commonly used as animal feed. BASF Plant Science
has therefore asked the EU authorities for approval of the
genetically optimized starch potato Amflora as food and feed
under EU Directive 1829/2003 in March 2005. The positive
evaluation of the dossier was published by EFSA in February
2006.
About Amflora
Amflora is a genetically optimized potato, producing pure
amylopectin starch, ideal for technical applications.
Conventional potatoes produce a mixture of amylopectin and
amylose starch. For many technical applications, such as in the
paper, textile and adhesives industries, only amylopectin is
needed; separating the two starch components is uneconomical.
Amflora produces pure amylopectin starch and thus helps to safe
resources, energy and costs.
Moreover: Paper produced with amylopectin starch has a higher
gloss. Concrete and adhesives can be processed for a longer
period of time.
All BASF activities involving plant biotechnology are
incorporated in BASF Plant Science. BASF Plant Science
coordinates an international research and technology platform
with eight sites in five countries in Europe and North America
and employs about 700 people. In addition, BASF Plant Science
has established numerous complementary cooperations with
research institutes, universities and biotechnology companies in
Europe and North America.
The research activities of
BASF Plant Science
are concentrated in the areas of more efficient agriculture,
renewable raw material and a healthier nutrition for humans and
animals. These include, for example, plants with improved
agronomic characteristics, a higher content of vitamins or
omega-3 fatty acids for preventing cardiovascular diseases as
well as plants with a higher nutritional value for animals.
During the 3-year period from 2006-08, BASF is dedicating a
total of €400 million to the expansion of its plant
biotechnology operations.
BASF is the world’s leading chemical company – The Chemical
Company. BASF has approximately 95,000 employees and posted
sales of €52.6 billion (approximately $66.1 billion) in 2006.
Further information on BASF is available on the Internet at
www.basf.com. |
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