Starch from the Modena potato is understood to be suited for industrial uses, however the strain is still going through the approval process for commercial use in Europe. Following the EU approval of BASF’s Amflora potato in March 2010, there are indications that the long-standing freeze on GM approvals in Europe is now thawing.
BASF and AVEBE announced plans to combine their competencies for development of amylopectin starch potatoes in late 2010, starting with development of a late blight resistant potato.
Marc Ehrhardt, senior vice president at BASF Plant Science said the Modena arrangement the logical next step for the partners. “Modena is an innovative and competitive variety, which complements our existing portfolio of amylopectin starch potatoes perfectly,” he said.
“Modena will make a contribution to strengthen the competitiveness of the European potato starch farmers, because it will make amylopectin potato starch more broadly available for the entire industry.”