EU clears BASF's GM Amflora potato for cultivation

BRUSSELS, March 2 (Reuters) - The European Commission approved on Tuesday a genetically modified potato, Amflora, for commercial cultivation in the European Union, a spokesman said, marking the bloc's first GM cultivation approval in 12 years.

Amflora was developed by German chemical maker BASF BASF.DE and is designed to yield industrial starch. The executive Commission approved the variety for cultivation after EU governments failed to reach a decision in 2007. (Reporting by Charlie Dunmore, editing by Dale Hudson)