20 December 2012

invitation to comment

Consultation RARMP for licence application DIR 117

from the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation:

Limited and Controlled Release of Genetically Modified (GM) Wheat and Barley

Australia’s gene technology regulatory system is designed to protect the health and safety of people and the environment by identifying risks posed by, or as a result of, gene technology and managing those risks.

The Gene Technology Regulator is currently assessing Licence Application DIR 117 from the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) for a limited and controlled release of up to 138 lines of wheat that have been genetically modified for altered grain composition or enhanced nutrient utilisation efficiency, and 40 lines of barley that have been genetically modified for enhanced nutrient utilisation efficiency.

The primary purpose of the three year field trial is to assess the agronomic performance and grain properties of the GM wheat and barley lines grown under field conditions. The trial is proposed to take place at one site in the Shire of Narrabri, New South Wales, on a maximum area of 1.53 ha per year, between May 2013 and April 2016. The GM wheat and barley would not be permitted in human food or animal feed.

A consultation Risk Assessment and Risk Management Plan (RARMP) has been prepared, which concludes that the proposed release would pose negligible risk to human health and safety or to the environment. A range of licence conditions have been drafted, including measures to restrict the release to the size, location and duration.

The Regulator welcomes written submissions in order to finalise the RARMP, which will then form the basis of a decision on whether or not to issue the licence. The consultation RARMP and related documents can be obtained from the website <http://www.ogtr.gov.au> under ‘What’s New’ or by contacting the Office. Please quote application DIR 117 in any correspondence.

Submissions should be received by close of business on 8 February 2013.

Office of the Gene Technology Regulator, MDP 54, GPO BOX 9848 CANBERRA ACT 2601

Telephone: 1800 181 030    Facsimile: 02 6271 4202    E-mail: ogtr@health.gov.au