The Gene Technology Regulator (the Regulator) has made a decision to issue a licence in respect of application DIR 057/2004 from Bayer CropScience Pty Ltd. The applicant has received approval to undertake a limited and controlled release of genetically modified (GM), hybrid, herbicide tolerant Indian mustard (Brassica juncea) at four sites (maximum area of four hectares per site) in each of the winter and summer growing seasons of 2005-2008, in up to 17 shires in New South Wales, South Australia and Victoria.

The field trial involves early stage research to assess the agronomic performance of up to 70 different GM Indian mustard lines, including comparisons with conventional Indian mustard, GM and conventional canola; to examine the effectiveness of the introduced herbicide tolerance trait under Australian field conditions; and to produce seed from lines selected for further evaluation.

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 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 to issue the licence. These are summarised in Chapter 2 and Appendix 7 of the RARMP.

The licence has been issued with specific licence conditions that will ensure effective implementation of the risk management plan. The specific conditions include a range of containment measures, restrictions on the use of the GM Indian mustard and by-products, and post-harvest cleaning and monitoring of the trial sites.

The Executive Summary and the complete finalised RARMP, together with the licence conditions, can be obtained on-line from the Office of the Gene Technology Regulator’s website or requested via the contacts detailed below.

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 057/2004 - Genetically modified Indian Mustard licence Risk Assessment and Risk Management Plan

DIR 057/2004 - Indian Mustard RARMP summary

DIR 055/2004 - Indian Mustard licence conditions

Questions & Answers on decision on Licence DIR 057/2004: Limited and Controlled Release of Genetically Modified Brassica juncea (Indian Mustard)

DIR 057/2004 - Brassica juncea licence application summary