Bayer seeks commercial cultivation of GM cotton in Australia

The Australian Office of the Gene Technology Regulator (OGTR) has received a licence application (DIR 143) from Bayer CropScience Pty Ltd for commercial cultivation of genetically modified (GM) cotton in Australia. The GM cottons and their products would enter general commerce, including use in human food and animal feed.

This licence application DIR 143 is for commercial release of two types of GM cotton: GlyTol® cotton and GlyTol TwinLink Plus® cotton. GlyTol® cotton contains an introduced gene that confers tolerance to the herbicide glyphosate. GlyTol TwinLink Plus® cotton contains three introduced genes that confer insect resistance, one gene that confers tolerance to the herbicide glufosinate and one that confers glyphosate tolerance.

OGTR is preparing a comprehensive Risk Assessment and Risk Management Plan (RARMP) for the application. The consultation RARMP is expected to be released for public comment and further advice from experts, agencies and authorities in August 2016.