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Amflora - A star(ch) is born |
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The Prospects |
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BASF’s starch potato will be the first genetically enhanced product to be permitted for cultivation in Europe since 1998. The approval is expected in time for the cultivation season in 2007.
On December 04, 2006, the European Commission published the result of the vote in the Regulatory Committee on the approval of the genetically optimized starch potato Amflora. 134 votes supported an approval, 109 opposed it and 78 abstained. Germany, as an important country for cultivation, voted in favor, thus taking a positive stance on plant biotechnology. The approval is a prerequisite for commercial cultivation of Amflora.
At the 16th of July, the Council of Agriculture ministers failed to reach a definitve decision on the commerical cultivation of BASF's genetically optimized starch potato "Amflora"
Immediate approval would required a majority of about 74%. Under EU law, the EU commission now has to decide upon the approval of the genetically optimized starch potato Amflora.
The EU Commission initiated the approval process by showing support for the cultivation of Amflora with a recommendation for approval in their 'Draft Commission Decision'.
BASF Plant Science expects commercial cultivation of Amflora in 2008.
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