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Australian OGTR: DIR 081/2007 - Limited and controlled release of cotton genetically modified for enhanced water use efficiency

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Australia
January 29, 2008

DIR 081/2007 - Limited and controlled release of cotton genetically modified for enhanced water use efficiency.

NOTIFICATION OF APPLICATION

Receipt of licence application from Monsanto Australia Limited for dealings involving intentional release of genetically modified cotton: DIR 081/2007

Application

The Office of the Gene Technology Regulator (OGTR) has received a licence application (DIR 081/2007) from Monsanto Australia Limited (Monsanto) for an intentional release of genetically modified (GM) cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) into the Australian environment which qualifies as a limited and controlled release under section 50A of the Gene Technology Act 2000 (the Act).
Monsanto is seeking approval to undertake proof of concept research with cotton lines that have been modified for enhanced water use efficiency using one of 56 different genes. The proposed trial would take place on up to 20 sites in New South Wales, Queensland and Western Australia on a maximum total area of 40 hectares per annum over a two year period between 2008 and 2010. The GM cotton will not be used for human food or animal feed.

The proposed trial would involve experiments to assess the agronomic performance of the GM cotton lines under optimal and water stress 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.

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 mid 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 081/2007). 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 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

DIR 081/2007 - Licence Application Summary 

Reference material

Risk Analysis Framework for Licence Applications to the Office of the Gene Technology Regulator (2nd Edition) 2007

 

 

 

 

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