Application
The Office
of the Gene Technology Regulator (OGTR) has received a
licence application (DIR 082/2007) from the Victorian
Department of Primary Industries (DPI Victoria) for an
intentional release of genetically modified (GM) perennial
ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) and tall fescue (Lolium
arundinaceum Schreb.) into the Australian
environment which qualifies as a limited and controlled
release under section 50A of the Gene Technology Act 2000
(the Act).
DPI
Victoria is seeking approval to
conduct proof of concept research with up to 500 lines of
perennial ryegrass and tall fescue that have been modified
to improve forage qualities by altering carbohydrate levels
and improving digestibility. The release would take place at
one site in the shire of Southern Grampians, Victoria on a
total area of 800m2 between June 2008 and July
1010.
The proposed
trial would involve experiments to assess the agronomic
performance and forage qualities of the GM perennial
ryegrass and tall fescue lines grown under field conditions.
A number of measures are proposed by the applicant to
restrict the spread and persistence of the GMOs and their
genetic material that will be considered during the
assessment of the application. The GM perennial ryegrass and
tall fescue will not be used for either human or animal
consumption.
Purpose of
this notification
A comprehensive Risk Assessment and Risk
Management Plan (RARMP) for the application is currently
being prepared. I expect this to be released for public
comment and advice from a broad range of experts, agencies
and authorities in late May 2008. The Act specifies a
30 day minimum consultation period if no significant risks
to human health and safety of the environment are
identified, and a 50 day minimum consultation period if
significant risks are identified.
In the interim, you can obtain a copy of
the application itself by contacting my Office (see contact
details below; please quote the reference number DIR
082/2007). As the application is quite lengthy, you may
prefer to view a summary of the application which is posted
on our website along with this document (under ‘What’s
New’). If you would like to receive a hard copy of the
application summary, please contact us and we will post it
to you.
f you have questions about
the application, or how you can provide comment on the RARMP
when it is released, please contact the OGTR at:
The Office of the Gene Technology
Regulator
GPO Box 9848
Canberra, ACT, 2601
http://www.ogtr.gov.au
Telephone: 1800 181 030
Facsimile: 02 6271 4202
E-mail:
ogtr@health.gov.au
Dr. Sue D Meek
Gene Technology Regulator
