Ohalo Genetics’ GMO Potato Can be Safely Grown and Bred in the U.S.

The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently examined a potato plant that has undergone genetic engineering. The potato was altered by Ohalo Genetics to change its sugar profile and contain less glucose and fructose.

From a plant pest risk perspective, APHIS decided that this potato may be safely grown and bred in the U.S.

“We reviewed the modified potato to determine whether it posed an increased plant pest risk as compared to cultivated potato. APHIS found this modified potato is unlikely to pose an increased plant pest risk compared to other cultivated potatoes. As a result, it is not subject to regulation under 7 CFR part 340. From a plant pest risk perspective, this potato may be safely grown and bred in the U.S. You can view the RSR request from Ohalo Genetics and APHIS’ response letter on the APHIS website. Our response is based on information from the developers and our: familiarity with plant varieties, knowledge of the traits, and understanding of the modifications,” according to a recent press release.

Developers may submit an RSR under 7 CFR part 340 if they think a modified plant is exempt from regulation. When compared to unrestricted plants, APHIS evaluates the changed plant to see if it might provide a higher danger for plant pests.

“If our review finds a plant is unlikely to pose an increased plant pest risk relative to the comparator plant, APHIS issues a response indicating the plant is not subject to the regulations,” APHIS experts concluded.

A fresh new biotech greenhouse enterprise of more than 6,000 square meters, which is cultivating genetically engineered potatoes bred specifically for processing, and a variety of other plants, went public on May 24 with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by numerous Henderson County government and agricultural leaders.

Ohalo Genetics’ Founder and CTO, Judson Ward, stated that the business has invested USD9m in the new state-of-the-art facility, which is located next to the greenhouse at Van Wingerden International.

“[…] As of May 24, the company employs eight people in their Mills River location but will be tripling that number in a few weeks,” Ward added, cited by Blue Ridge Now.