OGTR calls time out on GM crop applications

The Gene Technology Regulator, Dr Sue Meek, has decided to "stop the clock" on two applications for commercial release of genetically modified canola while she waits for updated information on technology stewardship, crop management strategies and supply chain management.

The delay means that public consultation on the applications, which was originally scheduled for mid-November, will be delayed until early next year, and the final decision on whether to issue the licence, scheduled for February/March 2003 will also be delayed.

Meek said that the delay was necessary to allow documents on technology stewardship and crop management to be completed by the two applicant companies, Monsanto and Bayer CropScience.

Parallel to the two applications, an additional set of industry guidelines, 'Guidelines for Supply Chain Management of GM Canola', is being prepared by the Gene Technology Grains Committee. All of the documents should be available early next year.

"The crop management plans, technical manuals and their relationship to the overarching industry guidelines are all necessary for me to properly understand and assess any risks to human health and safety and the environment from potential commercial GM canola releases," said Meek.

"Therefore, the preparation of the risk assessment and risk management plans for these applications has been put on hold until this documentation has been finalised and made available to my office for analysis."

Under the Gene Technology Act 2000, applications are supposed to be considered within 170 working days, but as Regulator, Meek has the power to delay the approval procedures to allow important information to become available.

Susie O'Neill, general manager of bioscience at Bayer CropScience (formerly Aventis CropScience) said, "We are working with the regulator to provide all the information required for a full and proper assessment of the human health and environmental safety of our GM canola." Bayer is waiting for approval of its InVigor hybrid canola variety.

O'Neill said that the company was confident it could satisfy all requirements for the approval of commercial release.

Naomi Stevens, another spokesperson for Bayer, noted that the company was hopeful that the approval would come through before next year's growing season, which begins in late April, but said that an existing field trial permit would allow the company to continue working towards commercial release if approval was not forthcoming.