Australia`s Gene Regulator OGTR Invites Comments on Field Trial of GM Perennial Ryegrass

The Australian Office of the Gene Technology Regulator (OGTR) invites comments from the public to assess an application from Grasslanz Technology Australia Pty. Limited to conduct a field trial of perennial ryegrass genetically modified for increased metabolizable energy content.

The field trial is proposed to run from April 2023 to December 2028 at up to seven sites per year, with a maximum total area of 12.5 hectares over the 5-year period. The field trial sites would be selected from 119 local government areas in New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, and Western Australia. GM perennial ryegrass grown in this field trial would not be used for human food or commercial animal feed.

The Gene Regulator has prepared a Risk Assessment and Risk Management Plan (RARMP) for this application and welcomes written submissions on issues relating to the protection of human health and safety and the environment prior to making a decision on whether or not to issue the license. Submissions for DIR 194 should be received by January 17, 2023.

For more details on how to submit comments, visit the DIR 194 page on the OGTR website.