USDA Deregulates Second Generation Innate™ GMO Potatoes

The J.R. Simplot Company is pleased that the USDA has deregulated the Russet Burbank variety of the second generation of Innate™ potatoes. Simplot is looking forward to the completion of the EPA registration and FDA consultation before the second generation of Innate™ potatoes can be introduced into the marketplace.

The second generation of Innate™ potatoes contains four beneficial traits of relevance to potato growers, processors and consumers:

• Reduced bruising and black spots;
• Reduced asparagine;
• Resistance to Late Blight pathogens (Phytophthora infestans); and
• Enhanced cold storage capability. These traits were achieved by adapting only genes from wild and cultivated potatoes.

Early research shows that Innate™ second generation potatoes will further contribute to reducing waste associated with bruise, blight and storage losses by reducing waste at multiple stages of the value chain, including in-field, during storage, processing, and in foodservice. That research suggests that these traits will translate to less land, water and pesticide applications to produce these potatoes.

Academics consulted by Simplot, for instance, estimate that the Innate™ late blight resistance trait, regulated by the EPA, can result in a 25-45% reduction in fungicide applications annually to control late blight. Lower asparagine means that accumulation levels of acrylamide can be reduced by up to 90% or more when these potatoes are cooked at very high temperatures. In addition, lowered reducing sugars enable cold storage at 38°F for more than 6 months without the build-up of sugars which improves quality.