EU approves biotech potato for cultivation, corn for import

National Association of Wheat Growers (NAWG) reports:

Heartening those around the world who believe in the power of biotechnology to help farmers and feed the world, the European Union approved this week cultivation of a biotech potato, as well as the commercialization of three varieties of biotech corn.

The potato variety approved was produced by BASF, a German company, and could be cultivated almost immediately for non-food purposes. The corn varieties were produced by Monsanto, based in St. Louis, Mo., and wont be cultivated within the EU, only imported and processed for food and feed.

Biotech varieties have long been stymied in Europe and in many places outside of Europe due to the continents influence around the world. But, many believe attitudes will changes as more years are added to the track-record of safe cultivation and consumption and as the worlds need for food rises rapidly in coming decades.

The EU minister who announced the approvals, Health and Consumer Policy Commissioner John Dalli, also has said he would take steps to allow EU states to have more control over biotech production within their borders.

BIO, the biotechnology industrys trade association, says another 17 products are awaiting EU approval for cultivation, and 44 biotech products are awaiting authorization for food and feed as well as for import and processing in the EU.

Biotechnology can provide a number of advantages in crops that have access to it. There is no commercialized biotech wheat anywhere in the world, but NAWG believes biotechnologys introduction into the wheat crop is necessary for the wheat industry to increase productivity, attract acres back to the crop and feed a growing global population in a sustainable way. For more on that issue, please visit www.wheatworld.org/biotech.