Limited Release of GM Poplar Trees for Bioethanol Production
February 27, 2009| |
The Flanders Institute of Biotechnology (VIB) has obtained approval from the Belgian federal government for the limited and controlled release of GM poplar trees with altered wood composition. The approval is a landmark in the Belgian field trial history as it is the first permit for a field trial in the country since 2002.
The approval was issued after an initial negative decision by federal authorities in May 2008. The negative decision was issued even though the Belgian Biosafety Advisory Council and the regional Flemish Environment Minister had both issued a positive advice.
Greenhouse trials revealed that the transgenic poplar trees produce 50% more bioethanol than conventional varieties. The field trial aims to test whether GM poplar trees grown under natural conditions produce wood that can be converted to ethanol more easily.
Read the media release at http://www.vib.be/VIB/EN/News+and+press/Press+releases/
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