London, United Kingdom
May 9, 2008
After public consultation,
Defra has given approval
to Leeds University to
conduct a research trial this year of GM potatoes. The research
is on potatoes that have been genetically modified to resist
infection by potato cyst nematodes.
The Leeds University application has been evaluated by the
independent expert group the
Advisory Committee of Releases to the Environment (ACRE). It
is satisfied that the proposed trial will not result in any
adverse effect on human health or the environment.
Reflecting ACRE's advice, precautionary conditions have been
attached to the statutory consent for the trial. These aim to
ensure that GM potato material does not persist at the trial
site. The harvested GM potatoes will not be used for food or
animal feed.
The Leeds University application, the statutory consent, and the
relevant ACRE advice can be found on the Defra website at
http://www.defra.gov.uk/environment/gm/regulation/consents/index.htm.
The consent reference is 07/R31/01.
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