Biotech Updates

CSIRO Plans Limited Release of GM Wheat

May 29, 2009

The Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (CSIRO) has submitted an application to Australia's Gene Technology Regulator for the controlled release of 16 genetically modified wheat lines with altered grain composition. The trial is set to take place at one site in the Australian Capital Territory, on a maximum area of 1 ha, between July 2009 and June 2012.

The Risk Assessment and Risk Management Plan (RARMP) for this application concluded that the release poses negligible risks to people and the environment. With the exception of rat and pig nutritional trials, the GM wheat will not be used for human food or animal feed. CSIRO is bound to adopt certain measures to restrict the dissemination and persistence of GM plant materials in the environment.

For more information, visit http://www.ogtr.gov.au/internet/ogtr/publishing.nsf/Content/dir092