Receipt of licence
application from CSIRO for dealings involving intentional
release of genetically modified cotton: DIR 083/2007
Application
The Office of the Gene Technology Regulator (OGTR) has
received a licence application (DIR 083/2007) from the CSIRO
for an intentional release of genetically modified (GM)
cotton into the Australian environment which qualifies as a
limited and controlled release under section 50A of the Gene
Technology Act 2000 (the Act).
CSIRO is seeking approval to conduct proof of concept
research with up to 20 cotton lines that have been modified
for enhanced waterlogging tolerance. The proposed release
would take place at one site in the NSW shire of Narrabri on
an area of 0.1 ha per season over three growing seasons
between October 2008 and May 2011.
If approved, the trial would involve experiments to assess
the tolerance of the GM cotton plants to waterlogging stress
under simulated conditions in the field. 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 cotton 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
early June 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 083/2007. 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.
If you have questions about the application, or how you can
provide comment, 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
