Bayer GM canola gets green light for commercial release

The Office of the Gene Technology Regulator has given Bayer CropScience the green light to commercially release its InVigor genetically modified canola.

The license will allow Bayer to roll out the hybrid, which has been genetically modified to produce superior varieties, the company said. There are already 11 trials of the canola around Australia.

In April this year, the OGTR released a draft risk assessment and risk management plan that gave in-principle approval for GM canola to be grown in Australia. Today's licensing approval comes after a period of public and government consultation and comment.

Susie O'Neill, general manager of Bayer CropScience's bioscience division, said the OGTR's decision should be seen as coming after a final check with the community.

"Australia is considered to have one of the most stringent regulatory systems in the world," O'Neill said in a statement. "All stakeholders should have confidence in the OGTR's conclusion that InVigor hybrid canola is just as safe to the environment and humans as conventional canola."

O'Neill said the OGTR approval was the first step towards commercialisation. Now, Bayer will seek to demonstrate benefits to farmers. "In 2004 we will be continuing with trials for continuing research and demonstrations of the technology," she said.

"Growers need to see our varieties perform to be able to compare them with conventional varieties, as well as understand the responsibilities that come with ensuring GM canola can successfully coexist with other production systems."

She said community sensibilities would also be taken into account.

The OGTR said all of Bayer's GM canola lines had been trialled in Australia, and were approved for commercial release and food use in Canada and the USA, as well as for food use in Australia.

O'Neill said that nearly 30 per cent of Canada's 2003 canola harvest was InVigor. Canada is the world's largest exporter of canola.

Moratoria on commercial GM crops are currently in place in all of Australia's canola-growing states.

GeneEthics Network director Bob Phelps said the OGTR had made a mistake in issuing a license to Bayer.

"Bayer has been convicted and fined around the world for breaking laws, guidelines and regulations which affect public health and the environment," Phelps said in a statement. "Under [the Gene Technology Act 2002], the OGTR must refuse a license if an applicant is unfit."

Greenpeace said the OGTR's decision was a "regulatory failure" because it ignored health and environmental concerns.