Australia to approve QUT’s application for GM potato trial

The Gene Technology Regulator is currently assessing licence application DIR 150 from the Queensland University of Technology (QUT). The application is for a field trial (limited and controlled release) of potato genetically modified for disease resistance. The purpose of the field trial is to assess the agronomic characteristics and disease response of the GM potato plants under field conditions.

The trial is proposed to take place at one site of up to 0.1 hectares in Redlands Research Facility in Redland City,Queensland, from February 2017 to January 2019. The GM potatoes would not be used in human food or 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. 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 a licence. Submissions should be received by close of business on 17 January 2017.