May 8, 2003

Australia’s Office of the Gene Technology Regulator has received an application from CSIRO (reference number DIR 039/2003) for the limited and controlled release of genetically modified cotton with increased oleic acid content in cottonseed.

If approved, the trial will take place at the Australian Cotton Research Institute, Narrabri, New South Wales. The proposed release is planned for the 2003/2004 growing season and covers a maximum of two hectares on one site.

A comprehensive risk assessment and risk management plan for the application is now being prepared with input from a range of expert groups and stakeholders, including State and Territory Governments,
relevant local councils, the Commonwealth Environment Minister, key commonwealth agencies and the Gene Technology Technical Advisory Committee.

The risk assessment and risk management plan is expected to be available for public comment in mid July 2003.

DIR 039/2003 - cotton licence application summary in PDF format:
http://www.ogtr.gov.au/pdf/ir/dir039.pdf

Early-Bird Notification: Coming soon, your chance to comment on the Risk Assessment and Risk Management Plan for dealings involving intentional release of genetically modified cotton DIR 039/2003: http://www.ogtr.gov.au/pdf/ir/ebnotific39.pdf