Australia to approve Victoria’s application for GM wheat trial

The Australian Office of the Gene Technology Regulator (OGTR) has received a licence application from the Department of Economic Development, Jobs, Transport and Resources, Victoria (Australia) to conduct a field trial of GM wheat with enhanced nitrogen use efficiency and water use efficiency. 
 

The trial is proposed to take place between May 2016 and May 2018 on up to 3 hectares per growing season, at one site in Horsham, Victoria. 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 wheat would not be sold for human food or animal feed.
 

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 February 2016. There will be at least 30 days for submission of comments.