December 19, 2003
Following rigorous evaluation and extended public consultation,
the Australian Gene Technology
Regulator, Dr Sue Meek, announced today that she has decided
to issue a licence for the commercial release of Monsanto
Australia’s Roundup Ready® canola.
Roundup Ready® canola has been modified to be
tolerant to the herbicide glyphosate, which can then be used to
control weeds while the crop is being grown.
Monsanto’s Roundup Ready® canola has been previously
trialed under limited and controlled conditions in Australia
over a number of years and is approved for growing and food use
in Japan, Canada and the United States of America.
The oil from Roundup Ready® canola is highly
processed which removes DNA and protein. Roundup Ready®
canola oil has been assessed and approved for human consumption
in Australia by Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ).
“We prepared the risk assessment of Monsanto’s application in
close consultation with a wide range of expert groups and
authorities. I also received valuable input from the extended
public feedback process,” Dr Meek said.
“The comprehensive risk assessment has demonstrated to me that
the commercial scale release of Roundup Readyâ
canola will not pose a risk to human health and safety or the
environment.”
During the evaluation of Roundup Ready® canola, the
potential for development of herbicide-resistant weeds if
glyphosate is used inappropriately was identified.
The Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority
(APVMA), which is responsible for the registration of
agricultural chemicals, has today also approved the use of
Roundup Ready® herbicide for weed control in Roundup
Ready® canola crops.
“The APVMA has also undertaken an extensive assessment of the
Roundup Ready® herbicide during which the potential
for the development of herbicide resistance was evaluated,” Dr
Meek said.
“As a result, the APVMA has applied a number of conditions on
the registration of Roundup Ready® herbicide to
ensure responsible management of Roundup Ready®
herbicide use on Roundup Ready® canola, and to
minimise the risk of development of herbicide resistance.”
Dr Meek said that during the evaluation, concerns were expressed about
possible economic and market impacts if Roundup Ready®
canola spreads to adjoining farms.
“I am advised that unwanted Roundup Ready® canola plants can
be effectively removed with a range of approved herbicides and
mechanical weed control methods. Using a mixture of weed
control options is consistent with integrated weed management
practice,” she said.
“I also understand that a number of industry initiatives have
also been developed to facilitate segregation of GM from non-GM
canola. Industry and State governments are also consulting on
the marketability and trade issues, as distinct from health,
safety and environmental issues.”
Further information on the Risk Assessment and Risk Management
Plan, the evaluation process and the licence is available from
the OGTR website at
www.ogtr.gov.au.
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