OGTR INVITES SUBMISSIONS ON GM COTTON
September 12, 2003
Office of the Gene Technology Regulator
www.ogtr.gov.au
Australia¹s Gene Technology Regulator has issued an invitation to comment on
the risk assessment and risk management plan for the limited and controlled
release of GM insecticidal and herbicide tolerant cotton into the
environment.
The Regulator has received an application from Dow AgroSciences Australia
Pty Ltd (DIR 040/2003) for a licence to undertake the limited and controlled
release of GM cotton containing two insecticidal genes and a herbicide
tolerant selectable marker gene. The insecticidal genes produce proteins
that are selectively toxic to the major caterpillar pests of this crop. The
selectable marker gene confers tolerance to the herbicide glufosinate
ammonium (ie Liberty® or Basta®).
The application proposes a trial at two sites in the shires of Gunnedah and
Narrabri, New South Wales, covering a maximum area of 0.04 hectares. The
release would be a proof of concept trial of this genetically modified
organism to test its insecticidal efficacy in Australian field conditions.
In accordance with the Gene Technology Act 2000 and following consultation
with expert groups and authorities, the Regulator has prepared a risk
assessment and risk management plan for this application. The plan suggests
the release would not pose significant risks to human health and safety or
the environment and identifies licence conditions, including containment,
which might be imposed.
Copies of the risk assessment and risk management plan, summary information
and a summary of the licence application for DIR 040/2003 are available at
www.ogtr.gov.au.
Written submissions from the public and interested organizations on matters
relating to the protection of human health and safety and the environment
should be forwarded to the Office of the Gene Technology Regulator by 24
October 2003.
Note that food safety and food labelling, insecticide and herbicide use do
not fall within the scope of evaluations under the Gene Technology Act as
they are the responsibility of other agencies and authorites.