DEFRA approves BASF's application to plant genetically modified potatoes

Genetically modified potatoes resistant to late potato blight will be planted on two sites in England in 2007.

DEFRA has approved an application by agchem giant BASF to undertake the trials, which will test the effectiveness of the potato's resistance against UK strains of the disease.

Similar trials are already underway in three other European countries.

Full story