Australia
September 19, 2014
NOTIFICATION OF APPLICATION
Receipt of licence application (DIR 130) from Murdoch University for
a field trial of GM wheat
Application
The Office of the Gene Technology Regulator (OGTR) has received a licence application from Murdoch University for the intentional release of genetically modified (GM) wheat into the environment (DIR 130), which qualifies as a limited and controlled release under section 50A of the Gene Technology Act 2000 (the Act).
Murdoch University is seeking approval to conduct a field trial of wheat genetically modified for improved grain quality. The trial is proposed to take place between May 2015 and December 2017 at one site in Western Australia. The maximum area of the trial will be 0.06 hectares per year. 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 wheat will not be used for human food or animal feed as part of this limited and controlled release.
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 December 2014. 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 application DIR 130). 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.
The Office of the Gene Technology Regulator,
MDP 54, GPO Box 9848, Canberra, ACT, 2601
Telephone: 1800 181 030 Facsimile: 02 6271 4202 E-mail: ogtr@health.gov.au
Website http://www.ogtr.gov.au
DIR 130 - Notification of Licence Application: Limited and controlled release of wheat genetically modified for improved grain quality – posted 19 September 2014
DIR 130 – Licence Application Summary
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