Australian OGTR Receives License Application for Field Trial of GM Canola

Australia’s Office of the Gene Technology Regulator (OGTR) has received license application DIR 205 from the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) to conduct a field trial of genetically modified (GM) canola with increased abiotic stress tolerance.

The field trial is proposed to take place between May 2025 and December 2030, on up to 3 sites per year with a maximum area of 1.5 hectares (ha) for each site in the first year and 2 ha for each site in the subsequent years. The trial sites are located in New South Wales and South Australia and will be subject to control measures that restrict the spread and persistence of the GM plants and their introduced genetic material. The GM canola grown in the field trial would not be used for human food or animal feed.

The OGTR is preparing the Risk Assessment and Risk Management Plan for the application, expected to be released for public comment and advice from experts, agencies, and authorities in mid-July 2024, with at least 30 days for submission of comments.

Tags: genetically modified canola, OGTR, Australia, CSIRO, Office of the Gene Technology Regulator, GM canola, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation