Australia's Office of the Gene Technology Regulator (OGTR) has issued license DIR 216 to Bayer CropScience Pty. Ltd., authorizing the commercial release of cotton genetically modified (GM) for insect resistance and herbicide tolerance.

The GM cotton contains four introduced genes from a common soil bacterium that confer insect resistance to common pests of cotton. Three of these genes provide protection against bollworms, and one protects against specific pests, including aphids and thrips. The GM cotton also contains three introduced genes for tolerance to herbicides, including glyphosate, glufosinate, and dicamba. The genes enable the GM cotton plants to grow in the presence of these herbicides, which can be used to control weeds in the GM cotton crop. 

The GM cotton will be released throughout Australia. The GM cotton and products derived from it may enter general commerce, including use in human food and animal feed. The Risk Assessment and Risk Management Plan (RARMP) and the license were finalized, taking into account input received during consultation with State and Territory governments, Australian Government agencies, the Minister for the Environment, the Gene Technology Technical Advisory Committee, local councils, and the public.

The finalized RARMP, a summary of the RARMP, the license, and Questions and Answers about this decision can be obtained online from the DIR 216 page of the OGTR website.