DIR 056/2004 - Field trial of herbicide tolerant (LLCotton25) and herbicide tolerant/insect resistant (LLCotton25/Bollgard II®) cottons.

invitation to comment on a risk assessment & risk management plan for genetically modified COttonS

Australia’s Gene Technology Regulator (the Regulator) is responsible for administering the national regulatory system that seeks 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 Regulator is currently assessing licence application DIR056/2004 from Bayer CropScience Pty Ltd for a limited and controlled release of genetically modified (GM) cottons:
 

The application proposes a large scale field trial of herbicide tolerant and herbicide tolerant/insect resistant GM cottons on up to 24 sites over a maximum total area of 500 hectares during each of the 2005/06 and 2006/07 summer planting seasons in the cotton growing areas of NSW, and southern and central Qld.  The purpose of the trial is to introduce the new traits into elite Australian varieties and would include testing agronomic performance, seed increase and establishing demonstration sites.
 

The Regulator has prepared a risk assessment and risk management plan (RARMP) for the proposed release, incorporating a range of licence conditions (including containment measures), that would be imposed if a licence was issued.
 

The Regulator invites written submissions on the RARMP in order to finalise the plan.  This document will then form the basis of the Regulator’s decision on whether to issue the licence.  The consultation RARMP and related documents can be obtained from the Regulator’s website under “What’s New” or by contacting her Office (see below).  Please quote the application number in any correspondence.
 

Submissions should be forwarded by close of business on 12 August 2005.

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

BACKGROUND (PDF files)

DIR 056/2004 - Application for licence for dealings involving an intentional release into the environment Risk Assessment and Risk Management Plan

DIR 056/2004 - Cotton RARMP summary

Related document - The biology and ecology of cotton

Questions & Answers on Licence Application DIR 056/2004 for Commercial Release of Genetically Modified Cotton

DIR 056/2004 - cotton licence application summary