GM Peanut to Be Developed

The American Peanut Council and its research arm, the Peanut Foundation, has given the go signal for scientists to develop genetically modified (GM) peanuts that could be safer, more nutritious, and easier to grow than conventional counterparts. For consumers, work on GM peanut might lead to a product with enhanced flavor, more nutrients, and possibly even nuts that are less likely to trigger allergic reactions. The Council, which represents growers, shellers, exporters and manufacturers, urged scientists to move ahead with "due diligence" on the development of GM peanuts.

A team of scientists from 14 universities, the United States Agriculture Department, and the food industry prepared a report on biotech peanuts for the Peanut Foundation. The scientists concluded the technology could reduce growing costs, improve nutrition and overall quality for consumers and have the potential to reduce the allergy threat by peanuts.

Read the article by Elliot Minor in http://www.growersforwheatbiotechnology.org/html/news.cfm?ID=330