Biotech Updates

Australian OGTR Invites Comments on GM Chickpea Field Trial

March 20, 2019

The Australian Office of the Gene Technology Regulator (OGTR) invites comments from the public to assess license application DIR 166 from Queensland University of Technology for a field trial of chickpea genetically modified for drought and other abiotic stress tolerance.

The trial is proposed to take place at one site with a total area of 3 hectares per year over a maximum of 6 seasons. The site is in the Tablelands Regional Council in Queensland. The GM chickpea grown in this field trial would not be used for human food or animal feed.

The Regulator has prepared a Risk Assessment and Risk Management Plan (RARMP) for this application and welcomes written submissions on issues relating to the protection of human health and safety and the environment prior to making a decision on whether or not to issue the licence. Submissions should indicate DIR 166 and be received by April 29, 2019.

For more details, read the DIR 166 documents available at the OGTR website.