Australia’s Gene Technology Regulator Grants Approval for GM Canola Field Trial

Australia's Office of the Gene Technology Regulator (OGTR) has released license DIR 215 to Miruku Australia Pty Ltd. on June 16, 2025, authorizing the limited and controlled release of genetically modified (GM) canola for dairy protein production. License DIR 215 will allow Miruku Australia Pty Ltd. to grow field trials of GM canola until December 2029.

The license indicates that GM canola may be grown on an area of up to one hectare in 2025, and increasing to a maximum of 20 sites of up to five hectares each in 2029. The field trial will cover up to 206 hectares over five years, with possible field sites in New South Wales, Victoria, Western Australia, and South Australia. The primary goal of the trial is to evaluate the performance of GM canola under field conditions. The GM canola produced during the trial will not be used in commercial human food or animal feed.

Miruku Australia Pty Ltd. is required to follow strict licensing rules that govern the timing, location, and scale of the trial, as well as measures to ensure the GM canola remains confined to the test sites. These rules include safeguards for containing the plants within designated areas, secure handling and storage, and proper disposal once the trial concludes. The potential risks associated with the trial were evaluated using the guidelines set out in the Regulator's Risk Analysis Framework.

For more information, read the license decision from the OGTR website.