Australian OGTR Invites Comments for Field Trial of GM Sorghum

The Australian Office of the Gene Technology Regulator (OGTR) invites comments from the public to assess license application DIR 153 from The University of Queensland for a field trial (limited and controlled release) of sorghum genetically modified for grain quality traits.

The trial is proposed to take place between October 2017 and June 2020 in southeast Queensland. During the first year, one site would be planted with an area of up to 1 hectare. In each of the second and third years, up to 4 sites would be planted with a combined area of up to 5 hectares. The GM sorghum would not be used in human food or sold as animal feed.

A consultation Risk Assessment and Risk Management Plan (RARMP) has been prepared, and a range of draft license conditions would limit the size, locations and duration of the release, as well as restrict the spread and persistence of the GMOs and the introduced genetic material. The Regulator invites written submissions to finalize the RARMP which will then inform the decision on whether or not to issue the license. The consultation RARMP and related documents are available in the OGTR website.

For more details, read the DIR 153 documents available at the OGTR website.