NOTE: Amidst all the spin below, there is one hard nugget of reality in BASF's response to the question: Is it true that BASF will be ceasing the development of the Amflora GM potato? 

"due to the difficult political situation GMO crops face in Europe, we already decided some time ago to not initiate any new projects that are focused exclusively on the European market" – Britta Stellbrink, Communications Manager, BASF Plant Science
–-
–-
To: Marcus Williamson
Subject: Antwort: News report
From: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Date: Thu, 7 Jul 2011 10:03:52 +0200

Dear Mr. Williamson,

Thank you for your email and your interest in our plant biotechnology activities, including our amylopectin starch potato Amflora.

Amflora has already received approval for commercial use in the EU in March 2010. In 2011, Amflora is grown in Germany and Sweden for seed production. Over the next few years we will be continually scaling up our seed production of Amflora.

We believe that amylopectin potatoes – such as Amflora – could create an estimated annual added value of 100-200 million for farmers and the European potato starch industry. As a quality product, Amflora will provide clear added economic value.

Currently, BASF is not planning to withdraw its plant biotechnology research activities in Germany. However, due to the difficult political situation GMO crops face in Europe, we already decided some time ago to not initiate any new projects that are focused exclusively on the European market.

BASF Plant Science is convinced that genetically improved plants will play an important role in solving the challenges we are facing in the future. However, we keep in mind the regional political situation when choosing our research and development projects.

Best regards
Britta Stellbrink
Communications Manager BASF Plant Science
...
Von: Marcus Williamson 
An: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Datum: 06.07.2011 10:50
Betreff: News report

Ms Stellbrink

I've just read this news report:

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-07-05/basf-said-to-consider-genetically-modified-crop-exit-in-germany.html

Is it true that BASF will be ceasing the development of the Amflora GM potato?

Look forward to hearing from you.

Thanks
Marcus Williamson