Nuseed applied for field trial of GM Juncea canola in Australia

The Gene Technology Regulator (OGTR) is currently assessing licence application DIR 149 from Nuseed Pty Ltd. The application is for a field trial (limited and controlled release) of Indian mustard (Juncea canola) genetically modified for altered oil content. The purpose of the field trial is to evaluate the agronomic performance and oil profile of the GM Juncea canola under field conditions.

The trial is proposed to take place between April 2017 and May 2022, with trial sites selected from 102 possible local government areas (LGAs) in NSW, Victoria and Queensland. The trial would be conducted at a maximum of 4 sites of up to 2 hectares (ha) in 2017, 5 sites of up to 5 ha in 2018 and 15 sites of up to 10 ha in each subsequent year. The GM Juncea canola would not enter the human food or animal feed supply but some GM material may be used for small-scale experimental animal feeding studies.

A consultation Risk Assessment and Risk Management Plan (RARMP) has been prepared, which concludes that the proposed release would pose negligible risk to human health and safety or to the environment. A range of draft licence conditions would limit the size, location and duration of the release, as well as restrict the spread and persistence of the GMOs and the introduced genetic material.

The Regulator welcomes written submissions in order to finalise the RARMP, which will then inform the decision on whether or not to issue the licence. The consultation RARMP and related documents can be obtained from the OGTR website under What’s New or by contacting the Office. Submissions should be received by close of business on 10 January 2017.