Biotech Updates

Call for Comments on GM Wheat and Barley Controlled Environmental Release

December 9, 2011

An Invitation to comment the Risk Assessment and Risk Management Plan (RARMP) for the limited and controlled release of genetically modified wheat and barley has been recently released by the Australian Gene Technology Regulator. The release will involve up to 292 lines of wheat and 41 lines of barley with altered grain composition, nutrient utilization efficiency and disease resistance or stress tolerance.

The trial is set to assess the agronomic performance of GM wheat and barley on a maximum area of 2.3 hectares per year between May 2012 and June 2017. Comment submissions should be received by close of business on 16 January 2012. Office of the Gene Technology Regulator, MDP 54, GPO BOX 9848 CANBERRA ACT 2601.

For more details see http://www.ogtr.gov.au/