Australia
November 6, 2018
Receipt of licence application from the University of Melbourne for a field trial of GM wheat
The Office of the Gene Technology Regulator (OGTR) has received a licence application (DIR 165) from the University of Melbourne to conduct a field trial of genetically modified (GM) wheat with altered iron content. A summary of the application is posted on our website under ‘What’s New’.
The trial is proposed to take place between April 2019 and December 2023, on up to 10 sites per year with a maximum area of 2 hectares per site. The trial sites could be located in any of 132 possible local government areas in Victoria, New South Wales, Western Australia and South Australia. 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 used for human food or animal feed.
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 January 2019. There will be at least 30 days for submission of comments.
DIR 165 documents
The following documents are available for DIR 165:
Notification of application
The document informs the public and other stakeholders that the Regulator has received an application for a licence. It provides early information about the application and the assessment process, including a forthcoming opportunity for public submissions.
PDF format - 114 KB
DOCX format - 57 KB
Summary of licence application
The document summarises the application including brief description of the GMO(s), proposed work with GMO(s), and explains the assessment and public consultation process.
PDF format - 183 KB
DOCX format - 73 KB
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