Limited Release of GM Barley and Wheat in Australia

Australia's Office of the Gene Technology Regulator has approved the application submitted by the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (CSIRO) for the limited release of 27 transgenic wheat and barley lines. The wheat and barley lines have been genetically modified (GM) for enhanced nutrient utilization efficiency. The trial will take place in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) on a maximum area of 1 hectare per year between July 2009 and June 2012. None of the GM materials will be used for either human or animal consumption.

OGTR prepared a risk assessment plan which concluded that CSIRO's planned release poses "negligible risk to people and the environment." CSIRO is bound to adopt certain measures to prevent GM escape to the environment. These include: ensuring that the GM wheat and barley plants in the field are isolated from non-GM plants, monitoring for, and destroying, any wheat or barley plants on the release site for at least two years after harvest and careful monitoring of transport of GM materials.

More information is available at http://www.ogtr.gov.au/internet/ogtr/publishing.nsf/Content/dir094