Australia
April 13, 2007
Intentional release
Application for
Licence for Limited and Controlled Release of GMOs Into the
Environment: Application No. DIR 071/2006 Limited and Controlled
release of GM drought tolerant wheat
DIR
071/2006
Invitation to comment on a Consultation Risk Assessment and Risk
Management Plan (RARMP) for limited and controlled release of GM
drought tolerant wheat
Comments close on 25 May 2007
Australia’s gene technology regulatory system is 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 Gene Technology Regulator is currently assessing licence
application DIR 071/2006 from the Victorian Department of
Primary Industries (DPI Victoria) to release genetically
modified (GM) wheat into the environment under limited and
controlled conditions.
DPI Victoria has applied for a licence to release up to 30
lines of wheat that have been genetically modified to
enhance drought tolerance. The trial is proposed to take
place at two sites in the local government areas of Horsham
and Mildura, Victoria, on a maximum total area of 0.315
hectares over one growing season (May 2007 – March 2008).
The purpose of the proposed trial is to conduct ‘proof of
concept’ research to evaluate the agronomic performance of
the GM wheat lines under rain-fed, drought prone conditions.
Seed will also be collected and retained for analysis and
possible future trials of lines that may be selected for
further development (subject to additional approvals). No
products from the release would be used for human food or
animal feed.
The Regulator has prepared a risk assessment and risk
management plan (RARMP) for the proposed release and
suggests a range of conditions (including containment
measures) that would be imposed if a licence was issued.
The Regulator welcomes written submissions in order to
finalise the RARMP, which will then form the basis of her
decision on whether to issue the licence. The consultation
RARMP and related documents can be obtained from
www.ogtr.gov.au under ‘What’s New’ or by contacting the
Office. Please quote application DIR 071/2006 in any
correspondence.
Submissions should be received by close of business on 25
May 2007.
The Office
of the Gene Technology Regulator
PO Box 100
Woden, ACT, 2606
http://www.ogtr.gov.au
Telephone: 1800 181 030
Facsimile: 02 6271 4202
E-mail:
ogtr@health.gov.au
DIR
071/2006 Questions & Answers
DIR
071/2006 - Risk Assessment and Risk Management Plan (RARMP)
Executive Summary - posted 13 April 2007
DIR
071/2006 - Risk Assessment and Risk Management Plan (RARMP)
Technical Summary - posted 13 April 2007
DIR 071/2006 - Full Risk Assessment and Risk Management Plan
(RARMP) for Limited and Controlled Release of Genetically
Modified (GM) drought tolerant wheat
DIR
071/2006 - Wheat Licence Application Summary
Reference
material
Risk Analysis Framework for Licence Applications to the Office
of the Gene Technology Regulator (2nd Edition) 2005
Related Document - The Biology and Ecology of Bread Wheat (Triticum
eastivum L. em Thell.) in Australia |
