DIR 055/2004 - Field trials of herbicide tolerant (Roundup Ready® Flex MON 88913) and herbicide tolerant/insect resistant (Roundup Ready® Flex Mon 88913/Bollgard II®) cottons

Australia’s Gene Technology Regulator is responsible for administering the national regulatory system designed to protect the health and safety of people and the environment by identifying risks posed by, or as a result of, gene technology and managing those risks.

The Regulator is currently assessing licence application DIR055/2004 for a limited and controlled release of genetically modified (GM) cottons from Monsanto Australia Limited:

The application proposes a large scale field trial of herbicide tolerant and herbicide tolerant/insect resistant GM cottons on up to 91 sites covering a total area of 1811 hectares over two planting seasons between September 2005 and November 2006.  Summer plantings would take place on up to 1769 hectares on 86 sites in NSW and southern Qld and winter plantings would be on up to 42 hectares on 5 sites in northern WA, NT and northern Qld. The purpose of the trial is to introduce the herbicide tolerance trait into elite Australian varieties and would include testing agronomic performance, seed increase and establishing demonstration sites.

The Regulator has prepared a risk assessment and risk management plan (RARMP) for the proposed release including a range of proposed licence conditions (including containment measures) that would be imposed if a licence was issued.

The Regulator invites written submissions on the RARMP in order to finalise the plan.  This document will then form the basis of the Regulator’s decision whether to issue the licence.  The consultation RARMP and related documents can be obtained from the Regulator’s website under ‘What’s New’ or by contacting her Office (see below).  Please quote the application number in any correspondence.

Submissions should be forwarded by close of business on 8 April 2005.

Additional information on DIR 055/2004: http://www.ogtr.gov.au/ir/dir055.htm

Office of the Gene Technology Regulator
MDP 54, PO Box 100
WODEN  ACT  2606

Telephone: 1800 181 030
Facsimile: 02 6271 4202
http://www.ogtr.gov.au