NOTE: Last January the GM and chemicals giant BASF announced it was was pulling its GM division out of Europe because it was facing opposition "from the majority of consumers, farmers and politicians." But BASF said it would continue taking its GM potatoes through the approval process in case it wanted to bring them into commercial production at some later point. Now they are abandoning any attempt at pursuing commercialization.
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BASF halts EU approval process for GM potatoes
AFP, 29 January 2013
http://www.expatica.com/de/news/german-news/basf-halts-eu-approval-process-for-gm-potatoes_257071.html
BASF, the world's biggest chemicals company, said Tuesday it has decided to no longer seek European approval of its genetically modified potato products in the face of stiff resistance.
BASF said in a statement it will "discontinue the pursuit of regulatory approvals for the Fortuna, Amadea, and Modena potato projects in Europe because continued investment cannot be justified due to uncertainty in the regulatory environment and threats of field destructions."
A year ago, the giant had announced it would halt the development and marketing of new genetically-modified products destined for the European market over concerns in some countries over the technology.
And it also moved its plant science headquarters to the United States.
BASF's latest decision comes only days after the European Commission in Brussels announced it will freeze the approval process for genetically modified food crops through the end of its mandate next year while it works towards an agreement with EU member states.
BASF halts EU approval process for GM potatoes
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