EU states split on cultivation of genetically-engineered potato

Jul 16, 2007, 14:17 GMT

Brussels - European Union farm ministers Monday were divided over plans to allow the large-scale cultivation of a controversial genetically-engineered potato as environmental groups campaigned against the move.

The European Commission, the EU's executive body, said the potato, which includes genes making it resistant to antibiotics, will only be used for starch production and as animal feed.

'It will not enter the nutritional chain,' said a commission spokeswoman.

But the international environmental group Greenpeace said an EU go-ahead for cultivation of the potato would amount to allowing controversial genetically modified crops to enter the EU 'through the back door.'

Italy and Austria are leading the group of EU states which oppose the cultivation of genetically-modified crops in the bloc. Other states, including Britain, however, favour the move.

If ministers can break the deadlock and decide in favour of the Commission proposal, it will be the first time since 1998 that a genetically-engineered plant is authorised for growing in the EU.

Greenpeace has called on governments to reject the potato, which has been developed by German chemical company BASF, saying it poses significant risks to health and the environment.

EU rules demand that genes which may have adverse effects on human health and the environment should be phased out.

However, the European Food Safety Authority has given a positive opinion on the BASF-developed potato, saying its antibiotic resistance genes do not pose a 'relevant' risk to human health or the environment.

Greenpeace has warned that the genetically-engineered potato did not undergo full risk assessment including its effect on biodiversity. The organization also said the potato could contaminate the food chain.

If EU states remain deadlocked over the issue, a decision in favour of cultivating the controversial potato will be taken by the commission.