Invitation to comment on commercial import and distribution
of genetically modified (GM) carnation cut-flowers
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 134 from International Flower Developments Pty Ltd for commercial import and distribution of cut-flowers of three GM carnation varieties: Florigene® Moonaqua™, Florigene® Moonberry™ and Florigene® Moonvelvet™. These carnations have been genetically modified for altered flower colour. There is no intention to grow these GM plants in Australia.
Subject to any State government restrictions imposed for marketing reasons or other relevant legislation, the proposed commercial import and distribution of these GM carnations would be Australia wide. Harvested cut-flowers of the GMOs would be imported and distributed in the same way as other cut carnation flowers in the floristry industry.
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. Draft licence 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 inform the decision on whether or not to issue a 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 134 in any correspondence.
Submissions should be received by close of business on 2 September 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
Website: http://www.ogtr.gov.au