19 April 2013

invitation to comment

Consultation RARMP for licence application DIR 118

from Monsanto Australia Ltd

Commercial Release of Genetically Modified (GM) Cotton

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 by managing those risks.

The Gene Technology Regulator is currently assessing Licence Application DIR 118 from Monsanto Australia Ltd for a commercial release of GM cotton, known as Roundup Ready Flex® pima cotton, genetically modified for tolerance to the herbicide glyphosate.

Subject to any State government requirements imposed for marketing reasons, the proposed commercial release of GM cotton plants would take place in all cotton growing regions in Australia. Products from the GM cotton plants are proposed to be used in the same way as those from non-GM and other commercially approved GM cotton.

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. If a licence were to be issued, general conditions are proposed to ensure there is ongoing oversight of the release.

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 118 in any correspondence.

Submissions should be received by close of business on 14 June 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