Australian OGTR - Receipt of licence application from Grasslanz Technology Australia Pty Limited for a field trial of genetically modified perennial ryegrass

The Office of the Gene Technology Regulator (OGTR) has received a licence application (DIR 194) from Grasslanz Technology Australia Pty Limited to conduct a field trial of genetically modified (GM) perennial ryegrass with increased metabolisable energy content. A summary of the application is posted on OGTR's website.

The trial is proposed to take place between April 2023 and December 2028 with a maximum area of 2.5 hectares per year, and up to 12.5 hectares in total over the duration of the trial. A maximum of 7 trial sites per year would be used, chosen from 119 LGAs in New South Wales, Victoria, Western Australia, and Queensland. 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 perennial ryegrass grown in the field trial would not be used for commercial animal feed. However, animal feeding trials may be undertaken with silage produced from the GM perennial ryegrass.

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 late November 2022. 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 194.

Link to the application:

https://www.ogtr.gov.au/gmo-dealings/dealings-involving-intentional-release/dir-194