Invitation to comment on commercial release
of genetically modified (GM) canola
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 138 from Bayer CropScience Pty Ltd for the commercial release of InVigor® x TruFlex™ Roundup Ready® canola. This canola is the result of conventional breeding between the GM InVigor® and GM TruFlex™ Roundup Ready® canola lines which were individually authorised for commercial release under licences DIR 021/2002 and DIR 127, respectively. The GM canola proposed for release contains genes for a hybrid breeding system and tolerance to the herbicides glufosinate and glyphosate.
Subject to any State government restrictions imposed for marketing reasons or other relevant legislation, the proposed commercial release of the GM canola would be Australia-wide, and the GM canola and GM canola-derived products would enter general commerce, including use in human food and 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. 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 138 in any correspondence.
Submissions should be received by close of business on 15 January 2016.
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