Biotech Updates

BASF Plant Science to Cultivate Amflora Potatoes in Germany and Sweden

February 4, 2011

Amflora, the genetically engineered (GE) potato produced by BASF Plant Science, will be cultivated on two hectares of land in Germany and 15 hectares in Sweden this year. Amflora has been approved by the European Union for industrial starch production.

BASF Plant Science managing director, Peter Eckes, said that: "There are many good reasons for the use of Amflora in Germany, which after all is renowned for growing starch potatoes. Separating the starch components in conventional potatoes for industrial use is not cost-effective or environmentally sound. Amflora is an innovative new variety which produces pure amylopectin starch. It therefore helps to cut down on resources, energy and costs and offers farmers and the starch processing industry real added value."

Read the press release at http://www.basf.com/group/pressrelease/P-11-142.