The European Commission has this week given the green light to BASF for the commercial application of its genetically modified Amflora potato, ending the group's 13-year wait for cultivation approval.
Amflora is a starch potato developed by the group specifically for industrial use, the production of which uses biotechnology to deactivating the gene responsible for synthesising amylose - an undesirable component in operations such as paper manufacturing and paper coating.
'After waiting more than 13 years, we are delighted that the European Commission has approved Amflora,' said Stefan Marcinowski, member of the board of executive directors at BASF SE. 'We hope that this decision is a milestone for further innovative products that will promote a competitive and sustainable agriculture in Europe.
'The way is now clear for commercial cultivation of Amflora this year,' said Peter Eckes, president of BASF Plant Science. 'Amflora will strengthen the international position of the European potato starch industry.'
