Limited Release of Drought Tolerant GM Wheat

The Victorian Department of Primary Industries has received an approval from Australia’s Office of the Gene Technology Regulator (OGTR) for the limited and controlled release of more than 50 wheat lines genetically modified for drought tolerance. The release is expected to take place at two sites in the areas of Horsham and Mildura, Victoria, on a maximum total area of 0.4 hectares per year between June 2008 and March 2010. OGTR made the decision after a thorough consultation with the public, State and Territory governments and relevant local councils. Based on the prepared Risk Assessment and Risk Management Plant, the proposed release would pose negligible risk to human health and safety, or to the environment. None of the GM wheat will be permitted to be used as animal feed or human food.

For more information, read http://www.ogtr.gov.au/pdf/ir/dir080notifc.pdf