Australia to approve Syngenta's GM cotton for the commercial release

The Gene Technology Regulator is assessing licence application DIR 157 from Syngenta Australia Pty Ltd (Syngenta) for commercial cultivation of genetically modified (GM) cotton. The GM cotton line (COT102) contains an introduced gene that confers insect resistance and an introduced selectable marker gene for antibiotic resistance.

Syngenta is seeking approval to commercially grow COT102 in all cotton growing areas of Australia. The GM cotton 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 ongoing oversight of the release.

The Regulator welcomes written submissions in order to finalise the RARMP, which will then inform the decision on whether or not to issue the licence. The consultation RARMP and related documents can be obtained from the OGTR website under What’s New or by contacting the Office. Please quote application DIR 157 in any correspondence.

Submissions should be received by close of business on 10 January 2018.