Biotech Updates

OGTR to Issue License for Release of GM Canola and Indian Mustard for Herbicide and/or Hybrid Breeding System

October 1, 2010

The Australian Office of Gene Technology Regulator (OGTR) announced its decision to issue a license to the Bayer CropScience Pty Ltd for its limited and controlled release of GM canola and Indian mustard lines which are genetically modified for herbicide tolerance with or without a hybrid breeding system. The license authorizes the release of up to 21 trial sites per year at 19 selected areas in South Australia and Victoria.

The trial will be conducted from January 2011 to January 2014 with a maximum of 6 ha per site for a total area of 126 ha. The decision to issue the license was made after extensive consultation on the Risk Assessment and Risk Management Plan (RARMP) with the public, State and Territory governments, Australian Government agencies, the Minister for the Environment, the Gene Technology Technical Advisory Committee, and relevant local councils, as required by the Gene Technology Act 2000 and corresponding State and Territory laws. Pertinent documents can be obtained on-line from the OGTR website.

See the original news at http://www.ogtr.gov.au/internet/ogtr/publishing.nsf/Content/dir104-4/$FILE/dir104notific.rtf