DEPARTMENT FOR
ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS News Release (139/08) issued by
The Government News Network on 9 May 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.
Note for Editors
1. 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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