Potato Starch Manufacturers see commercial opportunity for amylopectin starch from GMO potatoes

AVEBE, Emsland and Lyckeby, the three leading European potato starch producers, are calling on the European Commission to approve Amflora for commercial cultivation in Europe. Amflora is a genetically enhanced starch potato developed by BASF Plant Science.

AVEBE, Emsland and Lyckeby confirmed their interest in Amflora. They agree with BASF Plant Science that Amflora is safe. Amflora passed the scientific approval process successfully and is – according to the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) – as safe as conventional potatoes.

According to the starch experts, pure amylopectin starch is of high value in several technical applications such as paper production and paper coating. Michael Schonert, Managing Director EMSLAND GROUP, confirmed: “We, the European starch producers and our farmers, need high-value amylopectin starch to stay competitive.” The industry anticipates processing the genetically optimized starch potato Amflora. Amylopectin starch has the potential to provide added value estimated at approximately €100 million per year to the European starch potato industry and associated farmers.

AVEBE, Emsland and Lyckeby agree with BASF Plant Science that plant biotechnology is an excellent way of developing pure amylopectin starch varieties with competitive yields. Gerben Meursing, Commercial Director AVEBE said: “Plant biotechnology is the key to the future of the potato starch industry. That is why AVEBE has also been investing in genetically optimized potato varieties since the early 1990s.”