DECISION ON ISSUING A LICENCE FOR APPLICATION DIR 023/2002
FOR CONTINUED COMMERCIAL RELEASE OF GM HERBICIDE TOLERANT COTTON
(ROUNDUP READYÒ COTTON) AND GM HERBICIDE TOLERANT/INSECTICIDAL COTTON (ROUNDUP READYÒ /INGARDÒ COTTON)

The Gene Technology Regulator (the Regulator) has made a decision to issue a licence in respect of application DIR 023/2002 from Monsanto Australia Limited. The application requests approval to undertake continued commercial release of genetically modified (GM) herbicide tolerant (Roundup Readyâ ) and GM herbicide tolerant/insecticidal (Roundup Ready/INGARDâ ) cotton in the cotton growing regions of New South Wales and Queensland south of latitude 22º South.

The decision to issue the licence was made after extensive consultation on the risk assessment and risk management plan with the public, State and Territory governments, Commonwealth agencies, the Federal Environment Minister, the Gene Technology Technical Advisory Committee and relevant local councils, as required by the Gene Technology Act 2000.

Issues relating to the health and safety of people and the protection of the environment raised during the consultation process on this application were considered in finalising the risk assessment and risk management plan and in making a decision on whether to issue a licence.

Complete and summary versions of the finalised risk assessment and risk management plan and the licence conditions can be obtained from the Office of the Gene Technology Regulator on-line or at the address below.