BASF Said to Mull Genetically Modified Crop Exit in Germany

BASF SE (BAS), the world’s biggest chemical maker, may withdraw genetically modified crop research from Germany in response to growing political opposition, three people familiar with discussions said.

The maker of the Amflora starch potato is considering the future of its research facility in rural Limburgerhof in southwestern Germany, said the people, who asked not to be identified because the plans aren’t public. A move to the U.S. is possible for the plant biotechnology operations, which employ 700, said one of the people.

BASF, in an e-mailed response to questions, said it’s too early to comment on the future of plant biotechnology research, though the company will take regional politics into account.

A European Union plan to let individual member states ban the cultivation of GM crops won support this week. Legislators endorsed a draft law that would give governments an opt-out from rules making the EU a single market for goods.