Australia seeks comment on RARMP for Bayer’s GM canola

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 by managing those risks.

The Gene Technology Regulator is currently assessing Licence Application DIR 108 from Bayer CropScience Pty Ltd for a commercial release of GM canola, known as InVigor® x Roundup Ready® canola, genetically modified for tolerance to two different herbicides (glyphosate and glufosinate ammonium) and a hybrid breeding system.

Subject to any State government requirements imposed for marketing reasons, the proposed commercial release of GM canola plants would take place in all canola growing regions in Australia. Products from the GM canola plants are proposed to be used in the same way as those from non-GM and other commercially approved GM canola.

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. If a licence were to be issued, general conditions are proposed to ensure there is ongoing oversight of the release.