German government endorses growing of GM starch potato Amflora

Amflora GMO starch potato

November 02, 2009

Source

The new German government has endorsed the growing of genetically modified Amflora starch potatoes in its policy on the use of plant biotechonology.

A report on the website, www.gmo-safety.eu, says the new coalition government will promote a policy of responsible use of plant biotechnology in the country.

One of the key aspects of the agreement is the endorsement of cultivation of the starch potato, Amflora (Amflora News on PotatoPro), produced by chemical giant BASF.

That had raised hopes the German government might act to encourage a decision to be made on the cultivation of the potato at a European level, Ralf-Michael Schmidt, head of government relations for BASF Plant Science, told Farmers Weekly.

"It is a very clear sign from our government and we hope that it will now act at the European level,"he said.