The Gene Technology Regulator (the Regulator) has made a decision to issue a licence in respect of application DIR 040/2003 from Dow AgroSciences Australia Pty Ltd.  The application requests approval to undertake a limited and controlled release of genetically modified (GM) insecticidal/herbicide tolerant cotton (referred to as WideStrike^™ cotton). The trial will take place over one growing season at two sites, covering a total area of 0.04 hectares in the shires of Gunnedah and Narrabri, New South Wales.

The decision to issue the licence was made after extensive consultation on the Risk Assessment and Risk Management Plan (RARMP) with the public, State and Territory Governments, Australian Government agencies, the Minister for the Environment and Heritage, the Gene Technology Technical Advisory Committee and the relevant local councils, as required by the Gene Technology Act 2000.

Issues relating to the protection of the health and safety of people and the environment raised during the consultation process on this application were considered in finalising the RARMP and in making the decision to issue the licence.

The licence imposes specific conditions to ensure that the risk management plan is implemented, including requirements for a pollen trap, restrictions on the use of the GM cotton seed and post-harvest monitoring of the trial sites. 

The Executive Summary and complete finalised Risk Assessment and Risk Management Plan together with the licence conditions can be obtained on-line from the Office of the Gene Technology Regulator’s website or by contacting the office directly.

Office of the Gene Technology Regulator
MDP 54, PO Box 100
WODEN  ACT  2606

Telephone: 1800 181 030
Facsimile: 02 6271 4202
http://www.ogtr.gov.au