Australia
February 5, 2013
DIR 120 - Notification of Application
Receipt of licence application (DIR 120) from Monsanto Australia Ltd (Monsanto) for field trial of GM cotton
Application
The Office of the Gene Technology Regulator (OGTR) has received a licence application from Monsanto Australia Ltd (Monsanto) for the intentional release of genetically modified (GM) cotton into the environment (DIR 120), which qualifies as limited and controlled release under section 50A of the Gene Technology Act 2000 (the Act).
Monsanto is seeking approval to conduct a field trial of cotton genetically modified for insect resistance and herbicide tolerance in order to determine the potential value of the GM cottons under Australian field conditions.
The trial is proposed to take place between October 2013 and October 2019 on up to 10 sites of 10 hectares (ha) for the first two years and up to 20 sites of 30 ha in subsequent years. Sites are to be selected from 56 possible local government areas (LGAs) in Western Australia, NSW and Queensland.
The applicant has proposed a number of control measures to restrict the spread and persistence of the GM plants and their introduced genetic material. The GM cotton seed will not be used for human food or animal feed, but the applicant proposes to sell lint from the trial.
Purpose of this notification
This notification provides early information about the above application and the assessment process, including a forthcoming opportunity to comment. Advice about this application is not being sought at this stage of the assessment process. A comprehensive Risk Assessment and Risk Management Plan (RARMP) for the application is currently being prepared. This is expected to be released for public comment and advice from a broad range of experts, agencies and authorities in late April 2013. A period of at least 30 days will be allowed for submission of comments, as required by the Act.
In the interim, you can obtain a copy of the application by contacting my Office (contact details below; please quote the reference number DIR 120). 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 have any questions or would like to receive a hard copy of the application summary, please contact the OGTR using the details below.
The Office of the Gene Technology Regulator,
Summary of Licence Application No. DIR 120
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