Amflora potato to become the EU’s second GM crop
MON 810, a genetically modified maize, was the first GM crop authorised for cultivation in Europe. That decision in 1998 led to widespread protests by the anti-GM movement.
Now, the Amflora potato will become the EU’s second GM crop, after its approval by the European Commission last Tuesday.
Developed by German chemical maker BASF, it will be grown for production of industrial starch, and by-products can be used in animal feed. Environmental groups had lobbied against Amflora, saying genetically modified foods pose long-term risks for humans and crops.
On Tuesday, the European Commission also allowed three GM maize products to be placed on the European market for food and feed, though not to be grown in Europe.
Tuesday’s approvals for four GM applications may indicate a changed approach by the newly appointed European Commission.
Anti-GM scientists had recently objected to new EU draft regulations which – they said – watered down GM risk assessment, and left it to biotech companies to assess the risks posed by their own GM seeds. According to a statement from the Commission, it is not taking a stand for or against genetically modified organisms (GMOs).
However, in political guidelines for the new Commission, its president, Barroso, said it should be possible to combine the EU allowing GMOs, based on science, with the freedom of each member state to choose to cultivate GMOs on their territory.
Irish Organic Farmers and Growers Association chairperson Dr Sinead Neiland said consumers do not want to eat GM food. She said evidence is emerging that if GM crops are fed to animals, small amounts of GM material appear in their meat and dairy products.
