Australia's Gene Technology Regulator Approves Field Trial of GM Sorghum

Australia's Office of the Gene Technology Regulator (OGTR) has issued license DIR 209 to the University of Queensland, allowing the field trial of sorghum genetically modified (GM) for altered reproduction from sexual to asexual.

The GM sorghum may be grown at one site with a maximum area of one hectare at the University of Queensland's Gatton Campus. The field trial may run from May 2025 until December 2030. The field trial aims to assess how the GM sorghum performs under field conditions. The GM sorghum grown in this field trial will not be used in human food or animal feed.

The final Risk Assessment and Risk Management Plan (RARMP) concludes that this field trial poses low risks to the health and safety of people and the environment. However, license conditions have been imposed to limit the release's size, location, and duration and restrict the spread and persistence of the GMOs and their genetic material in the environment.

The finalized RARMP, together with a summary of the RARMP, a set of Questions and Answers on this decision, and a copy of the license, are available online from the DIR 209 page on the OGTR website.