Risk assessment of a genetically modified dry rot-resistant potato

VKM received the assignment from the Norwegian Environment Agency on 3 May 2024.

VKM is commissioned to assess the quality of the scientific documentation in the application from NIBIO, and to assess whether the planned experiment poses a risk to the environment, animals, or to humans.

The purpose of the experiment is to test whether the genetically modified (GM) potatoes, with genes for resistance from wild potato relatives, can contribute to better control of dry rot and thus reduce the need for fungicides. Dry rot is caused by the fungus-like microorganism Phytophthora infestans and is considered the most serious potato disease in Norway.

The GM potato is not intended for commercial production in Norway; thus, the assignment does not include a risk assessment of the potato for use as food or feed.

Five members of the VKM committee make up the project group doing the risk assessment. The final report is approved by a separate interdisciplinary approval group.

The deadline for a finalised report will be set when the applicant, NIBIO, has submitted information required for the risk assessment, as requested by VKM.

Project group

Monica Sanden, Chair, Panel on Genetically Modified Organisms

Nur Duale, Member, Panel on Genetically Modified Organisms

Berit Gehrke, Member, Panel on CITES

Kaare Magne Nielsen, Panel on Microbial Ecology

Kristian Prydz, Member of the Panel on Genetically Modified Organisms

Interdisciplinary approval group

Johann Bodin (Chair of approval group), Panel on Genetically Modified Organisms

Hugo de Boer, Chair of the Panel on CITES

Knut Tomas Dalen, Member, Panel on Nutrition, Dietetic Products, Novel Food, and Allergy

May-Guri Sæthre, Chair of the Panel on Plant Health, and Member of the Steering Committee

Project managers/coordinators

Ville Erling Sipinen, VKM Secretariat

Selamawit Tekle Gobena, VKM Secretariat