Australia to approve DuPont Pioneer's GM canola

The Australian Office of the Gene Technology Regulator(OGTR) is currently assessing licence application DIR 139 from DuPont Pioneer Hi-Bred Australia Pty Ltd for a commercial release of Optimum™ GLY Canola. This canola variety has been genetically modified for tolerance to the herbicide glyphosate.  The public comments have been opened until 11 February 2016.

Subject to any State government restrictions imposed for marketing reasons, the proposed commercial release of the GM canola would be Australia-wide. The GM canola and its products would enter general commerce, including use in human food and animal feed.

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. Draft licence conditions are proposed to ensure there is ongoing oversight of the release.