New GM cotton licenses approved

The Office of the Gene Technology Regulator (OGTR) has approved three new licenses to conduct field trials of genetically modified (GM) cotton.

Dr Sue Meek, the Commonwealth Gene Technology Regulator, said she had received a number of applications for limited and controlled release of GM crops since the OGTR was established last year.

"On 19th January 2002 I announced the granting of the first licence under the Gene Technology Act 2000, to Cotton Seed Distributors Ltd in Queensland for a field trial of genetically modified cotton," Meek said.

"I have now made a decision to issue three licences in respect of applications from the CSIRO and from Agriculture Western Australia to undertake field trials of genetically modified (GM) cotton."

According to the application summaries for each of the licenses, field trials will take place in Western Australia's Kimberley region and in the Northern Territory. The GM cotton varieties include INGARD, Bollgard II and Bollgard II/Roundup Ready varieties developed by Monsanto.

The INGARD and Bollgard II varieties contain insect resistance genes from Bacillus thuringiensis, while the Bollgard II/Roundup Ready variety also contains an herbicide tolerance gene from Agrobacterium.

None of the GM cotton planted is intended for use in human food, according to the license application summaries, however inactivated cotton seed may be used in cattle feed. In addition, lint from the trial may be sold. Lint does not contain any genetic material.

Meek said extensive consultation was made on the risk assessment and risk management plans before the licenses were granted. She noted that applications were posted on the OGTR website to allow the public to comment on before OGTR approval.

"Even though it's not required by the legislation, as licence applications are received for dealings with GMOs that involve intentional release to the environment, they are posted on the website as early-bird notifications," Meek said.

Three other applications currently being assessed by the OGTR include applications for field trials of GM canola by Aventis CropScience and Monsanto, and for GM oilseed poppy trials by Agriculture Western Australia.