Biotech Updates

OGTR Seeks Comments on Proposed Trials of GM Wheat and Barley in Australia

January 15, 2010

Australia's Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (CSIRO) has submitted applications to the Office of Gene Technology Regulator (OGTR) for the limited and controlled release of wheat and barley lines genetically modified for altered grain composition or nutrient utilization efficiency and enhanced carbon assimilation in drought and heat prone environments. The release is proposed to take place in several sites in New South Wales, Western Australia and Queensland from May 2010 to June 2013. OGTR now seeks comments on the proposed field trials. The agency is currently preparing a comprehensive Risk Assessment and Risk Management Plan (RARMP) for the application.

Visit http://www.ogtr.gov.au/internet/ogtr/publishing.nsf/Content/dir100 and http://www.ogtr.gov.au/internet/ogtr/publishing.nsf/Content/dir099 for more information, including details on how to submit comments.