BASF Australia Ltd granted licence for the commercial release of GM canola

The Gene Technology Regulator has issued licence DIR 178 to BASF Australia Ltd, authorising the commercial release of canola genetically modified (GM) for herbicide tolerance and a hybrid breeding system.

The release is authorised to take place throughout Australia. The GM canola and products derived from the GM canola may enter general commerce, including use in human food and animal feed.

The licence decision was informed by a Risk Assessment and Risk Management Plan (RARMP) undertaken by the OGTR with input from stakeholders nationwide. This included consultation with the public, state and territory governments, local councils, Australian Government agencies, the Minister for the Environment, and the Gene Technology Technical Advisory Committee. The Regulator thanks submitters for their contributions.

Submissions are summarised in Appendix B and C of the RARMP, together with information about how any issues raised relating to risks to human health and safety, and the environment were considered.

The RARMP concludes that this commercial release poses negligible risk to people and the environment.

General licence conditions have been imposed to ensure ongoing oversight of the release.

The finalised RARMP, a summary of the RARMP, the licence, and Questions & Answers can be found on the DIR 178 page of the OGTR website. You can also request them via the contacts detailed below.