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 136 from CSIRO for a field trial (limited and controlled release) of cotton genetically modified for enhanced fibre quality. The purpose of the field trial is to assess the agronomic performance and fibre quality of the GM cotton lines under field conditions.
The trial is proposed to take place at one site in Narrabri, New South Wales between October 2015 and May 2018 with a maximum planting area of 1 hectare per year. 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, location 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 inform the 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 136 in any correspondence.
Submissions should be received by close of business on 5 August 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