Australia to approve Monsanto's GM canola for field trial

Monsanto proposes to conduct a field trial of one canola line genetically modified for tolerance to dicamba herbicide, and dual herbicide tolerant GM canola produced by conventional breeding between the dicamba tolerant GM canola line and MON88302 GM canola. MON88302 canola is tolerant to glyphosate herbicide and has been commercially released in Australia since 2014 under the licence DIR 127.

The trial is proposed to take place in sites to be selected from 140 possible local government areas in New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Victoria and Western Australia between January 2020 and January 2024. The proposal is to plant up to 15 sites with a maximum combined area of 30 ha per year in 2020, increasing to 20 sites with a maximum combined area of 100 ha in 2023. The trial would be subject to control measures that restrict the spread and persistence of the GM plants and their introduced genetic material. The GM canola would not be used for human food or animal feed.

The OGTR is preparing a Risk Assessment and Risk Management Plan for the application. This is expected to be released for public comment and advice from experts, agencies and authorities in September 2018. There will be at least 30 days for submission of comments. If you have any questions or would like to receive a copy of the full application or the summary, please contact the OGTR and quote the reference number DIR 164.