BASF is moving its Plant Science base out of Germany to the US due to “a lack of acceptance” for GM technology in many parts of Europe.
The world’s leading chemical company said it is concentrating its plant biotechnology activities in what it calls its “main markets” in North and South America and stopping all R&D on products targeted solely at the European market.
Dr Stefan Marcinowski, who is a member of the board of executive directors of BASF and responsible for plant biotechnology, said: “We are convinced that plant biotechnology is a key technology for the 21st century. However, there is still a lack of acceptance for this technology in many parts of Europe - from the majority of consumers, farmers and politicians.
“Therefore, it does not make business sense to continue investing in products exclusively for cultivation in this market.”
The decision means BASF will stop work on genetically modified starch potatoes Amflora, Amadea and Modena, a potato resistant to late blight called Fortuna as well as a late blight-resistant starch potato. It will continue with products that are already going through regulatory processes.
In total, BASF plans to transfer 123 positions from its sites in Limburgerhof and Gatersleben in Germany to other Plant Science sites, mainly in the US.
Consultant John Giles told the Brassica Growers Association conference this week that Britain was at risk of falling behind in production if it did not take up GM. “We seem to have this ongoing problem in the UK and in western Europe of saying ‘this isn’t for us’,” said Giles, a director at Promar International.
“The rest of the world is saying it’s actually quite a good idea. I’m not advocating that we should switch wholesale to GM, but the fact we’re not even involved in the debate, not even involved in R&D, not even involved in the trial work... it’s just ridiculous.”
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