The Chilean Exporters Association (Asoex) has distanced itself from reports concerning the development of genetically modified products in the country.

At the Global Biotechnology Forum in Concepión scientists said they believed they would be in a position to develop and patent new species of grapes, nectarines and peaches using genetic material within four years.

Asoex president Ronald Bown responded to the claims. He said: “We would like to make it clear that the Chilean fresh fruit industry is not participating in any research projects involved in the creation of products using gene transfer.

“We are participating in two genomic programmes for grapes and stonefruit whose aim is study DNA sequences in order to speed up the natural process of crossing between different varieties… this has nothing to do with the developments of GMOs.”