Australian Office of the Gene Technology Regulator - Receipt of a licence application from Monsanto Australia for commercial release of GM cotton

Application

The Office of the Gene Technology Regulator (OGTR) has received a licence application (DIR 173) from Monsanto Australia Pty Ltd (Monsanto) for commercial cultivation of genetically modified (GM) cotton. A summary of the application and a Questions and Answers document are posted on their website under ‘What’s New’.

Licence application DIR 173 is for commercial release of a GM cotton line, which contains two introduced genes that confer herbicide tolerance.

Monsanto is seeking approval to commercially grow the GM cotton 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.

Purpose of this notification

OGTR is preparing a Risk Assessment and Risk Management Plan (RARMP) for the application. The RARMP will be prepared taking into account advice received from a broad range of experts, agencies and authorities, and relevant local councils, as specified in the Gene Technology Act 2000. I expect the consultation RARMP to be released for public comment and further advice from experts, agencies and authorities in July 2020. There will be at least 30 days allowed for submission of comments.