AVEBE and BASF Confirm Next Step in R&D Cooperation

Gerben Meursing, Managing Director of Commerce from AVEBE said “Through the cooperation with BASF Plant Science, AVEBE will be able to enhance the commercialization of its plant biotechnology knowledge.

4/18/2011 --- The potato starch manufacturer AVEBE and the plant biotechnology company BASF Plant Science confirmed the next step in their cooperation to develop genetically enhanced amylopectin starch potatoes. BASF Plant Science assumes ownership for the genetically enhanced amylopectin starch potato Modena. Modena was developed by AVEBE and is currently in the approval process for commercial use in Europe.

Gerben Meursing, Managing Director of Commerce from AVEBE said “Through the cooperation with BASF Plant Science, AVEBE will be able to enhance the commercialization of its plant biotechnology knowledge. The potential of the positive environmental impact during cultivation will be better accessible, with genetically enhanced varieties leading to higher yields per acre. This step is beneficial for our stakeholders in the potato starch value chain.”

“This decision is a logical next step within our cooperation with AVEBE,” said Marc Ehrhardt, Senior Vice President, BASF Plant Science. “Modena is an innovative and competitive variety, which complements our existing portfolio of amylopectin starch potatoes perfectly. 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.”

In December 2010, both companies already announced the plan to bundle their competencies for the development of amylopectin starch potatoes. The cooperation started with the development of a late blight resistant amylopectin starch potato. Late blight is a serious problem in potato farming in Europe.