DIR 053/2004 - Field trial of genetically modified salt tolerant wheat on saline land

Invitation to comment on the Risk Assessment and Risk Management Plan for the limited and controlled release of genetically modified wheat: DIR 053/2004

Australia’s Gene Technology 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 a licence application (DIR053/2004) from Grain Biotech Australia Pty Ltd for a limited and controlled release of genetically modified wheat.

The application proposes a small field trial of salt tolerant GM wheat at one site covering a maximum total area of 0.45 ha in the Corrigin shire of WA from April 2005 to January 2006. The purpose of the trial is to evaluate and compare the salt tolerance and agronomic performance of the GM wheat with non-GM wheat and other salt tolerant crops on a site affected by different levels of salinity.

The Regulator has prepared a risk assessment and risk management plan (RARMP) for the proposed release, incorporating a range of proposed 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 the Office (see below). Please quote the application number in any correspondence.

Submissions should be forwarded by close of business on 15 April 2005.
 

Additional information on DIR 053/2004: http://www.ogtr.gov.au/ir/dir053.htm

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