The first generation of GM crops appears to be "dead in the water" in the UK. There were just two GM seeds still going through the National List registration process. One was a winter rape variety, the other was a spring rape variety. Both were grown in the UK's farmscale trials. Bayer has dropped the application to list both the seed varieties. [item 2]

But second generation GM crops are still being pushed by cash-hungry gene jockeys targeting the Third World - see item 1.
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1.Scots appeal to Gates for potato cash
ALAN MacDERMID
The Herald, November 16 2004
http://www.theherald.co.uk/news/28040-print.shtml

SCOTS scientists are seeking help from Bill Gates, the Microsoft billionaire, to launch a yellow potato for the Third World.

They have developed two varieties that contain their own carotenoids, substances believed to protect against cancer, heart disease and deterioration of eyesight in the old.

The pigments from carotenoids are what give fruit and vegetables, such as carrots, citrus fruits, peppers and tomatoes, their eye-catching red, orange and yellow hues.

Now researchers at the Scottish Crop Research Institute at Invergowrie, near Dundee, have developed transgenic versions of two potato varieties, Desiree and Mayan Gold, which boast beta-carotene at up to six times the natural level.

This is even higher than the levels found in a type of rice which is also being developed to aid nutrient deficiencies in the Third World.

Potatoes are eaten daily by millions worldwide, yet the vast majority of varieties have zero or very low levels of carotenoids, hence the white or very pale yellow coloration.

A report in the Journal of Experimental Botany describes how scientists at the SCRI used genetic material from a Japanese brewery in the project.

They now hope to transfer improvements in the nutritional fortification of the potato to developing countries if a multi-million-dollar bid to the Bill and Melinda Gates Global Challenge in Human Health Programme is successful.

GM potatoes have had a controversial history in Scotland, but Dr Mark Taylor, the project research leader, said: "This development is a breakthrough and shows the potential we have to use biotechnology to improve levels of important nutrients in a staple part of our diet."
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2.Plant Varieties & Seeds [via Jean Saunders]

Public Register - Index

NL- Index National Lists of Varieties
Public Register - Oilseed Rape: Spring
http://www.defra.gov.uk/planth/pvs/pubreg/preg06.htm

Application No:- 35/1210
Breeders Reference or Approved Name:- PH96S452
Application Date:- 15/12/1997
Acceptance Date:- Application Withdrawn
Last Updated: - 11/11/2004
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Plant Varieties & Seeds

Public Register - Index

NL- Index National Lists of Varieties
Public Register - Oilseed Rape: Winter
http://www.defra.gov.uk/planth/pvs/pubreg/preg03.htm

Application No:- 35/1318
Breeders Reference or Approved Name:- PHW99-429
Application Date:- 11/08/1998
Acceptance Date:- Application Withdrawn
Last Updated: - 11/11/2004

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