Biotech Updates

Australian Approval for Field Testing of GM Wheat for Drought and Heat Resistance

June 25, 2010

The Australian Office of Gene Technology Regulator issued a license approving the limited and controlled release of up to 150 lines of genetically modified wheat for enhanced carbon assimilation in drought and heat prone environments. A maximum area of 0.1 ha will be planted to the GM wheat in Redland, Queensland between June 2010 and December 2013.

The decision was issued after an extensive consultation on the Risk Assessment and Risk Management Plan (RARMP) with the public, State and Territory governments, Australian Government agencies, the Minister for the Environment, the Gene Technology Technical Advisory Committee and relevant local councils, as required by the Gene Technology Act 2000 and corresponding State and Territory laws.

Details of this news and how to access relevant documents can be obtained at http://www.ogtr.gov.au/internet/ogtr/publishing.nsf/Content/dir100-4/$FILE/dir100notific.rtf