www.checkbiotech.org ; www.raupp.info ; www.czu.cz

DEFRA has given the green light to trials of genetically modified potatoes,
reigniting the debate on GM food, December 2006.

The NFU gave the most positive reaction, saying that it recognised that
many consumers and farmers have misgivings about GM technology, but felt
biotechnology offered potential benefits to agriculture so it was committed
to encouraging necessary research.

However, the British Potato Council said it could not support the trials
because of consumer concern about the technology.

Improving

"The industry has been working hard to improve the image of the Great
British potato, and sales of fresh potatoes suggest consumers are beginning
to recognise it really is a healthy and wholesome option," said BPC chief
executive Helen Priestley. "These trials will put potatoes firmly in the
firing line of anti-GM campaigners."

Ms Priestley said that rigorous procedures were in place to ensure that
commercial crops were not contaminated with GM material and that no GM
material entered the human food chain.

"Comfortable"

But she said: "While we welcome steps to further understanding of this
technology, the public must be comfortable with whatever steps are taken to
introduce it and we didn't feel the time was right."

Soil Association policy director Peter Melchett went further, claiming the
trials would be a monumental waste of time and money. "The government is
ignoring what consumers want to eat and their health and safety. Even in
America, McDonald's, McCain, Pringles and Burger King, rejected GM potatoes
years ago."

BASF project manger Andy Beadle said he was not surprised by the reaction as
the company had not yet really engaged with stakeholders to explain
potential benefits. "We see this as being about choice. Once we have the
data it is up to people to decide whether they want the product," he said.

[www.fwi.co.uk]

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