Australian OGTR consults on GM sugarcane tests from Sugar Research Australia

The Australian Office of the Gene Technology Regulator (OGTR) has received a licence application from Sugar Research Australia Limited (SRA) for the intentional release of genetically modified (GM) sugarcane into the environment (DIR 129), which qualifies as a limited and controlled release under section 50A of the Gene Technology Act 2000 (the Act).

SRA is seeking approval to conduct a field trial of sugarcane genetically modified for herbicide tolerance. The proposed trial will be the continuation of dealings currently conducted under the limited and controlled release licence DIR 096. In the current application, the trial is proposed to take place between November 2015 and November 2021 at six sites in Queensland. The maximum area of the trial will be 25 hectares per year. The applicant has proposed a number of control measures to restrict the spread and persistence of the GM plants and their introduced genetic material. The GM sugarcane will not be used for human food or animal feed as part of this limited and controlled release.

The public comments will be closed on June 13, 2014.