DECISION ON ISSUING A LICENCE FOR APPLICATION DIR 39/2003

The Gene Technology Regulator (the Regulator) has made a decision to issue a licence in respect of application DIR 039/2003 from CSIRO.  The application requests approval to undertake a limited and controlled release of genetically modified (GM) cottons that are expected to produce seeds with increased levels of oleic acid.  The trial is proof of concept research that will take place over one year on one site of 2 hectares in the Shire of 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 health and safety of people and the protection of the environment raised during the consultation process on this application were considered in finalising the RARMP and in making a decision on whether or not to issue the licence.

The licence has been issued with specific conditions including requirements for a pollen trap, restrictions on the use of the GM cotton seed and post-harvest monitoring of the trial site.

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