March 3, 2010


EU approves first GM crop for planting

 


The EU has approved the first new GM crop for domestic cultivation in 12 years, ending a long stalemate over a backlog of GM crops awaiting planting approval.


The European Commission has allowed farmers to grow BASF's Amflora potatoes, which can be used for industrial or animal feed purposes. The potatoes are the first crop to be approved for farming in the EU since a strain of Monsanto's insect-resistant corn 12 years ago.


This decision raises the possibility that other GM crops could soon receive planting approvals, including Monsanto's Roundup Ready corn, which has so far failed to gain a foothold in Europe despite dominating the US farming sector.


The Commission also announced it would proceed with plans to allow European countries to independently decide if GM crops can be grown in their borders.


The Amflora potatoes were the first GM crop to win approval because there is a demand for them in several European countries, according to industry sources. The potato will be planted in Germany and the Czech Republic this year, with additional plantings likely to come in Sweden and the Netherlands, the EU said.

Video >

Follow Us

FacebookTwitterLinkedIn