Invitation to comment on a genetically modified (GM) perennial ryegrass 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 160 from the Department of Economic Development, Jobs, Transport and Resources in Victoria. The application is for a field trial (limited and controlled release) of perennial ryegrass genetically modified for fructan biosynthesis. The purpose of the field trial is to assess the agronomic characteristics of the GM perennial ryegrass plants under field conditions and to multiply seed for future trials.
The trial is proposed to take place between May 2018 and June 2020 near Hamilton in south-west Victoria on a maximum area of 160 m2 per year. The GM perennial ryegrass grown in this field trial 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 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 160 in any correspondence.
Submissions should be received by close of business on 18 January 2018.
Office of the Gene Technology Regulator, MDP 54, GPO BOX 9848 CANBERRA ACT 2601
Telephone: 1800 181 030 E-mail: ogtr@health.gov.au