Biotech Updates

Australian OGTR Invites Comments for Commercial Release of GM Cotton

September 7, 2016

The Australian Office of the Gene Technology Regulator (OGTR) invites comments from the public to assess license application DIR 145 from Monsanto Australia for the commercial release of two types of genetically modified cotton: Xtend Flex™ and Bollgard® 3 Xtend Flex™ cotton. Xtend Flex™ cotton has been modified for tolerance to the herbicides glyphosate, glufosinate, and dicamba.

Bollgard® 3 Xtend Flex™ cotton has been genetically modified for insect resistance as well as tolerance to the three herbicides. The proposed commercial release of the GM cottons would be Australia-wide. Products from the GM cotton plants would be used in the same way as those from non-GM and other commercially approved GM cottons. Submissions should be received by close of business on October 26, 2016.

For more details, read the DIR 145 documents available at the OGTR website.