Australia
October 18, 2013
DIR 124 - Notification of Licence Application: Commercial release of cotton genetically modified for insect resistance and herbicide tolerance (Bollgard®III and Bollgard®III x Roundup Ready Flex®)
DIR 124 - Notification of application
Receipt of licence application (DIR 124) from Monsanto Australia Limited for commercial release of genetically modified cotton
Application
The Office of the Gene Technology Regulator (OGTR) has received a licence application from Monsanto Australia Limited (Monsanto) for the commercial release of genetically modified (GM) cotton into the environment (DIR 124).
This licence application is for commercial release of two types of GM cotton: Bollgard® III cotton and Bollgard® III x Roundup Ready Flex® cotton. Bollgard® III cotton contains three introduced insecticidal genes. Bollgard® III x Roundup Ready Flex® cotton contains these insect resistance genes plus an introduced gene that confers tolerance to the herbicide glyphosate.
Monsanto is seeking approval to release the two new types of GM cotton in all cotton growing areas of Australia. The GM cottons and their products would enter general commerce, including use in human food and animal feed.
Purpose of this notification
This notification provides early information about the above application and the assessment process, including a forthcoming opportunity to comment. At this stage, comment is not sought from members of the public. Later, the public will be asked to comment on a comprehensive 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 section 50 of the Gene Technology Act 2000 (the Act). I expect the consultation RARMP to be released for public comment and further advice from experts, agencies and authorities in March 2014. A period of at least 30 days will be allowed for submission of comments, as required by the Act.
In the interim, you can obtain a copy of the application by contacting my Office (see contact details below). Please quote application number DIR 124. As the application is quite lengthy, you may prefer to view a summary of the application and/or a Questions and Answers document, which are posted on our website along with this document (under ‘What’s New’).
If you have any questions or would like to receive a hard copy of any document, please contact the OGTR.
Office of the Gene Technology Regulator, MDP 54, GPO BOX 9848 CANBERRA ACT 2601
Telephone: 1800 181 030 Facsimile: 02 6271 4202 E-mail:
OGTR Website
Dr Joe Smith
Gene Technology Regulator
16 October 2013
Topics
Species
