The European Commission has put the green light for the cultivation of genetically engineered potato Amflora of BASF.

It is the first time in twelve years that the Executive Board of the European Union, the cultivation of a genetically engineered crop permits. The process has taken seven years to complete.

Amflora is a genetically engineered potato in order to produce starch. After a protracted process started seven years, the Commission now BASF permission to grow potatoes for industrial applications, such as the production of paper. Residues from industrial production may also be sold as livestock feed.

Resistant to antibiotics
Against the cultivation of Amflora objections were raised because the potato contains a gene resistant to antibiotics. Commissioner for Health John Dalli however assured Tuesday that the scientists of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) have thoroughly studied the risks. His measures imposed to prevent the genetically engineered crop is spread in the environment.

"Further delay would simply be unjust," Dalli said. BASF would start this spring with the cultivation of Amflora in Germany and Czech Republic. In the coming years the company would also start growing in the Netherlands and Sweden. BASF wants to sell Amflora starch producers and farmers.

Corn
The Commission Tuesday also gave approval for the import and sale of three products of Monsanto genetically engineered corn.
http://www.standaard.be/artikel/detail. ... 100302_069