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

Australia's Office of the Gene Technology Regulator (OGTR) has issued license DIR 212 to The University of Adelaide, allowing the field trial of canola genetically modified (GM) for increased photosynthesis and photorespiration.

The GM canola may be grown at one site with a maximum area of two hectares per year at the Light Regional Council in South Australia. The field trial may run from May 2025 until January 2030. The field trial aims to assess how the GM canola performs under field conditions. The GM canola 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 negligible 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 212 page on the OGTR website.