Next step in R&D cooperation between AVEBE and BASF Plant Science
The potato starch manufacturer AVEBE and the plant biotechnology company BASF Plant Science confirmed today the next step in their cooperation to develop genetically enhanced amylopectin starch potatoes.
- (1888PressRelease) April 18, 2011 - 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 starch potato 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.
About genetically enhanced amylopectin starch potatoes
Conventional potatoes produce a mixture of amylopectin and amylose starch. For many technical applications, such as in the paper, textile and adhesives industries, pure amylopectin starch is preferred. Separating the two starch components is uneconomical and environmentally unfriendly. After having “switched off” the gene for the production of amylose, the amylopectin starch potatoes produce pure amylopectin starch and thus help to save resources, energy and costs.
About AVEBE
AVEBE is the world’s leading potato starch company. AVEBE creates and markets starch-based solutions for food, feed, paper, building, textiles and adhesives industries. Potato starch is a renewable resource with unique properties and a huge potential for innovation. AVEBE is dedicated to use this potential and to add value for its customers by continuously improving existing starch applications and by creating new starch ingredients to help its customers innovate their products. AVEBE operates worldwide, has production locations in the Netherlands, Germany and Sweden, and employs some 1300 people. For more information, visit www.AVEBE.COM..
About BASF Plant Science
BASF is the world’s leading chemical company: The Chemical Company. Its portfolio ranges from chemicals, plastics and performance products to agricultural products, fine chemicals as well as oil and gas. BASF Plant Science – a BASF group company – is one of the world’s leading companies providing innovative plant biotechnology solutions for agriculture. Today, about 700 employees are helping farmers meet the growing demand for improved agricultural productivity and healthier nutrition for humans and animals. BASF Plant Science has developed an unparalleled gene discovery platform focusing on yield and quality traits in crops such as corn, soybean and rice. Jointly with leading partners in the seed industry BASF Plant Science is commercialising its products. For more information, visit www.basf.com/plantscience..
Media inquiries:
BASF Plant Science AVEBE
Peter Gräve Alexander Duyndam
Tel.: +49 621 60 28 752 Tel.: +31 70 318 44 44
peter.graeve ( @ ) basf dot com
Alexander.Duyndam ( @ ) AVEBE dot com
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