DIR 087 - Limited and
controlled release of cotton genetically modified for
insect resistance and herbicide tolerance
http://www.ogtr.gov.au/internet/ogtr/publishing.nsf/Content/dir087-3/$FILE/dir087ebnotific.pdf
NOTIFICATION OF APPLICATION
Receipt of licence application from Bayer CropScience Pty Ltd (Bayer) for dealings involving intentional release of genetically modified cotton: DIR 087
Application
The Office of the Gene Technology Regulator (OGTR) has received a licence application (DIR 087) from Bayer 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).
Bayer is seeking approval to conduct early stage research with cotton plants that have been genetically modified for insect resistance and herbicide tolerance. The release is proposed to take place at one site at Narrabri, NSW on a maximum area of 0.1 ha during the summer growing season of 2008-2009.
No plant materials from the GM cotton would be used for human food or animal feed or for the production of fabrics and/or other cotton products.
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 October 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 087). 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, MDP 54, 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
Website http://www.ogtr.gov.au
(Ms) Elizabeth Flynn
Acting Gene Technology Regulator