15 August 2014

Invitation to comment on genetically modified (GM)
sugarcane field trial

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 129 from Sugar Research Australia for a limited and controlled release of sugarcane that has been genetically modified for herbicide tolerance.

The primary purpose of the field trial is to continue the evaluation of field performance of GM herbicide tolerant sugarcane currently conducted under DIR 096. The trial is proposed to take place between November 2015 and November 2021 at six trial sites in Bundaberg, Mackay, Burdekin, Moreton Bay and Cairns in Queensland. The collective maximum area for the trial is 25 hectares per year. The GM sugarcane would not be used 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 and to the environment. A range of draft licence conditions would limit the size, locations and duration of the release, as well as restrict the spread and persistence of the GMOs and the introduced genetic material.

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 OGTR website under ‘What’s New’ or by contacting the Office. Please quote application DIR 129 in any correspondence.

Submissions should be received by close of business on 24 September 2014.

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

Website: http://www.ogtr.gov.au