An open letter from BASF requesting the approval of Amflora Amflora is safe, environmentally friendly, and brings advantages to farmers and industry in Europe! Dear Commissioner Dimas, Amflora is a genetically optimised starch potato developed in Europe for use by the European starch industry. The potato produces pure amylopectin, a starch used in technical processes such as papermaking. Amflora is a renewable raw material that helps in saving energy and water. Leading starch producers confirm that amylopectin potatoes such as Amflora are estimated to create added value of at least €100 million per year for the European starch industry and farmers, who now want to see it cultivated. Genetically modified crops are already reality, being grown by 12 million farmers around the world on more than 114 million hectares, although on only 0.1 million hectares in Europe. To remain competitive on the world market, European farmers must be granted access to safe, innovative technology now! EU experts at the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) have repeatedly stated that Amflora is as safe as conventional potatoes. Their conclusion is based on ex- tensive scientific studies. All scientific evidence supports the safety of Amflora. Amflora was submitted to the EU for approval years ago. BASF has adhered to all processes that have been agreed upon between EU countries, and has submitted all required data. We were encouraged to see that you initiated the approval process by recommending the approval of Amflora in 2006. Now, even though all the necessary political and administrative steps have been taken, the final decision by the Commission has been pending since July 2007. We call once again on you to follow the approval processes without any further delay and to allow Amflora to be cultivated commercially in Europe. Yours sincerely, Stefan Marcinowski Board of Executive Directors www.basf.com .