EU Okays GM Potato
Print
Email
Two weeks ago, YPNation took a closer look at genetically-modified foods, and the advantages they may hold for developing nations. But when it comes to developed nations, we noted, their is a distinct wariness toward GM foods, particularly in terms of human consumption and environmental impact.
The European Union is no exception. To date, only two GM foods have been approved to grow within the EU--and the second one, a potato, was only just given the nod, reports the BBC. Despite opposition from environmental groups, the European Commission said its decision was grounded in "a considerable volume of sound science."
The potato won't be grown for human consumption, but will have industrial uses such as using the starch to make paper or for animal feed. It will be planted in Germany and the Czech Republic this spring; Sweden and the Netherlands have plans for the potato, too, but not this year.
As for the advantages:
[The European Commission] said growing this form of potato "helps to optimise the production process and to save raw materials, energy, water and oil based chemicals."
