NOTIFICATION OF APPLICATION
Receipt of licence application from CSIRO for dealings
involving intentional release of genetically modified
cotton: DIR 085/2008
Application
The Office of the Gene Technology Regulator (OGTR) has
received a licence application (DIR 085/2008) from the CSIRO
for an intentional release of genetically modified (GM)
cotton into the Australian environment which qualifies as a
limited and controlled release under section 50A of the Gene
Technology Act 2000 (the Act).
CSIRO is seeking approval to conduct early stage research
with one cotton line that has been genetically modified to
improve the properties of the cottonseed oil for food use by
altering the fatty acid composition. The trial is proposed
to take place at one site in the local government area of
Narrabri, NSW on a maximum area of 2 ha between October 2008
and June 2009.
The proposed trial would involve experiments to assess a
range of agronomic characteristics of the GM cotton line
including seed germination rate, fibre yield and quality,
seed yield, oil content and fatty acid composition. Products
from the GM cotton will not be used for human food or animal
feed.
Purpose of this notification
A comprehensive Risk Assessment and Risk Management Plan
(RARMP) for the application is currently being prepared. I
expect this to be released for public comment and advice
from a broad range of experts, agencies and authorities in
August 2008. The Act specifies a 30 day minimum consultation
period if no significant risks to human health and safety of
the environment are identified, and a 50 day minimum
consultation period if significant risks are identified.
In the interim, you can obtain a copy of the application
itself by contacting my Office (see contact details below,
please quote the reference number DIR 085/2008. As the
application is quite lengthy, you may prefer to view a
summary of the application, which is posted on our website
along with this document (under ‘What’s New’). If you would
like to receive a hard copy of the application summary,
please contact us and we will post it to you.
If you have questions about the application, or how you can
provide comment, please contact the OGTR at:
The Office of the Gene Technology Regulator
MDP 54
GPO Box 9848
Canberra, ACT, 2601
Telephone: 1800 181 030
Facsimile: 02 6271 4202
E-mail:
ogtr@health.gov.au
Website
http://www.ogtr.gov.au
(Dr) Sue D Meek
Gene Technology Regulator
28 April 2008
DIR
085/2008 - Licence Application Summary
