American Peanut Council Oks GM Peanut Research

The Board of Directors of the American Peanut Council, the trade association representing all segments of the United States (US) peanut industry, recommended that the US peanut industry develop peanut varieties through genetic engineering. No GM peanut varieties are currently available in the US. The Board cautioned however, that research in this area should proceed with due diligence. The Peanut Foundation is the coordinating body for the project.

The Council says that bioengineering can lead to peanuts that yield more oil for biofuel production, are more drought resistant, grow more efficiently and have built-in herbicide and pest resistance. Many of these traits have already been engineered into major crops such as soybeans, cotton, corn, and canola. Consumers may expect peanuts with enhanced flavor and nutritional benefits, and possibly even nuts that are less likely to trigger allergic reactions.

For further information, contact the American Peanut Council at info@peanutsusa.com or read its press release at http://www.peanutsusa.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=NewsRelease.NewsReleaseDetail&news_release_id=270.