25 February 2015
Invitation to comment on a genetically modified (GM)
cotton 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 133 from Bayer CropScience Pty Ltd for a limited and controlled release of cotton genetically modified for insect resistance and herbicide tolerance.
The purposes of the field trial are to assess the agronomic performance and pest resistance of the GM cotton grown under Australian field conditions, to evaluate crosses between the GMOs and non-GM commercial cotton cultivars, and to produce seed for future releases, subject to further regulatory approvals.
The trial is proposed to take place at sites in New South Wales, Queensland, and Western Australia between July 2015 and July 2021. The maximum planting area of the trial would be 140 hectares in the first year and 600 hectares per year in the following five years. The GM cotton 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 or 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 133 in any correspondence.
Submissions should be received by close of business on 8 April 2015.
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
OGTR website www.ogtr.gov.au