Biotech Updates

Australian OGTR Receives License Application for Field Trial of GM Sorghum

March 1, 2017

The Office of the Gene Technology Regulator (OGTR) has received a license application (DIR 153) from the University of Queensland to conduct a field trial of genetically modified (GM) sorghum with altered grain quality traits.

The trial is proposed to take place in southeast Queensland between October 2017 and June 2020. The proposal is to plant one trial site with an area of up to one hectare in the first year, and up to four sites with a combined area of up to five hectares in the second and third years. The trial would be subject to control measures that restrict the spread and persistence of the GM plants and their introduced genetic material. The GM sorghum would not be used in commercial human food or animal feed.

The OGTR is preparing a Risk Assessment and Risk Management Plan for the application which would be released for public comment and further advice from experts, agencies, and authorities in May 2017. There will be at least 30 days allowed for submission of comments.

For more information, including the notice of application, questions and answers, and summary of the license application, visit the DIR 153 page on the OGTR website.