b'CRISPR potatoes. (Photo Mariette Andersson)BENEFITSThe potatoes are intended for starch production. With the new starch obtained from them we are able to produce Clean Label starches with similar function as modified starches, says Berggren. In addition, we avoid a production process that con-sumes chemicals and energy. Thus, we are able to produce with a lower CO2 footprint.The result that we achieved could also have been achieved by other plant breeding methods but would have required enormous resources and much longer time, says Andersson. Traditional mutagenesis has been used previously to develop an amylopectin potato. With this new method, we can instead of inducing random and multiple mutations in the crop, be spot on what we are targeting without affecting the good genetic background of the cultivar of choice she adds.ECJ DECISIONBerggren states: The ECJ decision is a disappointing decision that is not possible to control in real life. Given the big chal-lenges we have with climate and a growing population it is frus-trating to experience an innovation hostile environment towards agricultural development.Andersson agrees. Its time to start focusing on the traits instead of the method used to develop a crop, i.e. if the crop possess no risk for our health or the environment it should be handled in the same way as crops developed with traditional breeding are today.In the EU, certain political decisions can lead to a blocking of useful innovation. In order to turn the tide, we need to con-tinue to present facts about what we are doing and the benefits of this, says Berggren.Mariette Andersson34IEUROPEAN SEEDIEUROPEAN-SEED.COM'