GM starch potatoes: controversy over authorisation intensifying

(9 December 2008) The decision to authorise a transgenic potato with modified starch content (Amflora) has again been delayed. That means that the potato will not be cultivated in the EU in 2009, either. The European starch industry is asking for an expedited approval. Innovations such as the Amflora potato are vital for international competitive power.

According to an article published in the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, the Amflora potato assessment by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) for the EU commission has been delayed. Due to "technical reasons", the assessment cannot be completed by December 15th as planned, but only in March. Therefore, a timely decision for the start of the growing season would no longer be possible.

Discussions about the use of an antibiotic resistance marker gene in the Amflora potato are what have initiated the new EFSA assessment. While EFSA scientists were in agreement with a previous assessment that the potato presented no risks, EU Environment Commissioner Dimas wanted the problematic of such marker genes to be thoroughly studied again. The authorisation process has been halted until EFSA's opinion is delivered. In the meantime, BASF has filed a complaint to the European Court of Justice in Luxemburg against the EU Commission for failure to act. BASF developed the Amflora potato. Unlike conventional potatoes, Amflora has only one type of starch (amylopectin), instead of two. This is used for industrial purposes and particularly for manufacturing paper and adhesives.

In a joint statement the top three companies in the European starch industry are demanding an expedited authorisation of the Amflora potato. They pointed out competition disadvantages for both European farmers and starch companies if "innovative technologies" such as Amflora potatoes are not permitted. The companies estimate an "additional market value of 100 to 200 million Euros annually" for the pure amylopectin starch. This could be used to compensate farmers for their loss of income ensuing from the EU Commission's decision on 20 November to cut subsidies for growing starch potatoes.
 

See also on GMO-Compass:

• GMO Compass Database: Potato for food and feed
• GMO Compass Database: Potato for cultivation
• Why antibiotic resistance?
• Antibiotic resistance genes: a threat?
• Limited use: The position of the European Food Safety Authority
• Alternatives: New marker systems have already been developed

Further information:

• Starch industry demands swift approval of genetically optimized potatoes
• BASF: Further delay in Amflora approval process not acceptable