Australia
November 16, 2012
DIR 119 - Notification of GM lupin field trial licence application
DIR 119 - Notification of application
Receipt of licence application from UWA for dealings involving intentional release of GM narrow-leafed lupin (DIR 119)
Application
The Office of the Gene Technology Regulator (OGTR) has received a licence application from The University of Western Australia (UWA) for the intentional release of genetically modified (GM) narrow-leafed lupin into the environment (DIR 119), which qualifies as limited and controlled release under section 50A of the Gene Technology Act 2000 (the Act).
UWA is seeking approval to conduct a field trial of narrow-leafed lupin genetically modified for herbicide tolerance in order to determine what level of glyphosate the GM plants can tolerate under field conditions.
The trial is proposed to take place at the New Genes for New Environments facility located in Merredin, Western Australia, on a maximum area of 0.5 hectares per growing season between May 2013 and April 2015. The applicant has proposed a number of control measures to restrict the spread and persistence of the GM plants and their introduced genetic material. The GM lupin will not be used for human food or 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. Advice about this application is not being sought at this stage of the assessment process. A comprehensive Risk Assessment and Risk Management Plan (RARMP) for the application is currently being prepared. This is expected to be released for public comment and advice from a broad range of experts, agencies and authorities in February 2013. 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 (contact details below; please quote the reference number DIR 119). As the application is quite lengthy, you may prefer to view a summary of the application, which is 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 the application summary, please contact the OGTR using the details below.
The Office of the Gene Technology Regulator,
MDP 54, GPO Box 9848, Canberra, ACT, 2601
Telephone: 1800 181 030 Facsimile: 02 6271 4202
DIR 119 - Licence Application Summary
Topics
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