BASF demands approval of genetically modified potato from EU's Dimas
I found this article in Forbes today on biotechnology seed maker BASF. According to the article, EU Commissioner Stravros Dimas refuses to lift the ban on growing BASF’s genetically modified potato, Amflora. Check out the article below and let me know what you think, is Dimas being unreasonable?
C.S. Prakash
BASF demands approval of genetically modified potato from EU's Dimas
Forbes
April 17, 2008
FRANKFURT (Thomson Financial) - BASF SE. said it published an open letter to EU Commissioner Stravros Dimas demanding speedy approval of genetically modified potato Amflora for commercial cultivation after a meeting between Dimas and the company on Tuesday failed to produce an agreement.
'Representatives from the Commission were not able to present new scientific findings that would argue against approving Amflora for commercial cultivation in Europe,' BASF said in a statement.
A decision on the matter has been outstanding since July 2007, and BASF last year said it expects approval in September 2007.
'An important future technology that offers benefits to farmers and the starch industry in Europe is being blocked without any reason,' BASF said in a statement.
'And even though all steps in the EU approval process have been taken successfully, Mr. Dimas failed to grant approval.'
BASF earlier this year said the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has recommended approval of the cultivation of Amflora and of use of the potato as feed, stating Amflora is as safe for humans, animals and the environment as conventional potatoes.
