Australian OGTR Approves Commercial Release of GM Canola

Australia's Office of the Gene Technology Regulator (OGTR) has issued license DIR 178 to BASF Australia Ltd., authorizing the commercial release of canola genetically modified (GM) for herbicide tolerance and a hybrid breeding system.

The GM canola will be released throughout Australia. The GM canola and products derived from it may enter general commerce, including use in human food and animal feed.

The decision was informed by a Risk Assessment and Risk Management Plan (RARMP) by the OGTR with input from stakeholders nationwide, including consultations with the public, state and territory governments, local councils, Australian Government agencies, the Minister for the Environment, and the Gene Technology Technical Advisory Committee. The RARMP concludes that this commercial release poses negligible risk to people and the environment.

The final RARMP, its summary, the license, and Questions and Answers about this decision are available online on the DIR 178 page of the OGTR.