Required Report - public distribution

**Date:** 6/27/2006

**GAIN Report Number:** AS6039

AS6039

**Australia**

**Biotechnology**

**Agricultural Biotechnology Annual Report**

**2006**

**Approved by:**

![](media/image1.wmf)Kathleen Wainio, Agricultural Counselor

U.S. Embassy

**Prepared by:**

Lindy Crothers, Agricultural Marketing Assistant

**Report Highlights:**

The United States has substantial interest in Australia's policies and
regulatory framework regarding agricultural biotechnology and products
derived thereof. Unprocessed (whole) biotech corn and soybeans have not
received regulatory approval in Australia and, thus, cannot be imported
without further processing. Foods with biotech content of over 1% must
receive prior approval and be labeled. This requirement can restrict
sales of U.S. intermediate and processed products. Australia's policies
and views on this technology influence other countries in the region,
and elsewhere, which may follow Australia's lead in developing a
regulatory system of their own.

Includes PSD Changes: No

Includes Trade Matrix: No

Annual Report

Canberra \[AS1\]

\[AS\]

Table of Contents

[**Section I: Executive Summary 2**](#section-i-executive-summary)

[Section I: Executive Summary 3](#section-i-executive-summary)

[Section II: Biotechnology Trade and Production
4](#section-ii-biotechnology-trade-and-production)

[Commercial Crops 4](#commercial-crops)

[Applications Under Evaluation 5](#applications-under-evaluation)

[Imported Products 5](#imported-products)

[Section III: Biotechnology Policy 6](#section-iii-biotechnology-policy)

[The GMO Regulatory System 6](#the-gmo-regulatory-system)

[GMOs vs GM Product 7](#gmos-vs-gm-product)

[GMOs Already Licensed by OGTR 7](#gmos-already-licensed-by-ogtr)

[Biotech Food 7](#biotech-food)

[Biotech Feed Products 7](#biotech-feed-products)

[Coexistence Between Biotech & Non-Biotech Crops
8](#coexistence-between-biotech-non-biotech-crops)

[Biosafety Protocol 8](#biosafety-protocol)

[Section IV: Marketing 9](#section-iv-marketing)

[Market Acceptance 9](#market-acceptance)

[National Biotechnology Strategy 9](#national-biotechnology-strategy)

[Biotechnology Australia 10](#biotechnology-australia)

[National Farmers Federation 11](#national-farmers-federation)

[Country Specific Studies Relevant to U.S. Exporters
11](#country-specific-studies-relevant-to-u.s.-exporters)

[Section V: Reference Material 11](#section-v-reference-material)

[Appendix I: GMO Applications Under Evaluation
12](#appendix-i-gmo-applications-under-evaluation)

[Appendix II: GMOs Already Licensed for Use in Australia
13](#appendix-ii-gmos-already-licensed-for-use-in-australia)

[Appendix III: Approved GM Food Products
17](#appendix-iii-approved-gm-food-products)

[Recent Reports from FAS/Canberra 19](#recent-reports-from-fascanberra)

#   {#section .unnumbered}

# Section I: Executive Summary

The United States has substantial interest in Australia's policies and
regulatory framework regarding agricultural biotechnology and products
derived thereof. Unprocessed (whole) biotech corn and soybeans have not
received regulatory approval in Australia and, thus, cannot be imported
without further processing. Foods with biotech content of over 1% must
receive prior approval and be labeled. This requirement can restrict
sales of U.S. intermediate and processed products. Australia's policies
and views on this technology influence other countries in the region,
and elsewhere, which may follow Australia's lead in developing a
regulatory system of their own.

Overall, the Australian government is supportive of the use of
agricultural biotechnology and has committed long-term funding to
research and development. The State governments have also committed
funds for research and development, but most are being more cautious
about the introduction of the technology and are using their powers over
'marketing' to restrict biotech crops in their jurisdictions - there are
currently moratoria on new plantings of biotech crops in the states of
NSW, Victoria, South Australia and Western Australia. Major farm groups
and the Commonwealth government's science organizations do not support
this position and have argued openly for its acceptance.

Australia has a substantial risk assessment based regulatory framework
for dealings with gene technology and genetically modified organisms, as
well as a process for assessment and approval of genetically modified
foods. The Gene Technology Act of 2000 established Australia's
regulatory scheme for dealings with gene technology and genetically
modified organisms (GMOs). The Commonwealth's Gene Technology Regulator
serves the key role in assessing, regulating and licensing GMOs and
enforcing license conditions. Genetically modified foods must also be
assessed, determined to be safe, and be approved before being sold for
human consumption. The standards for such foods are developed by Food
Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) and are contained in the Food
Standards Code. There are labeling requirements for genetically modified
foods containing modified genetic material and/or novel protein, and for
foods with altered characteristics. Imports of viable GMOs and food
products containing genetically modified ingredients would need to meet
these same regulations.

To date, biotech cotton, carnations and canola varieties are the only
agricultural crops approved for commercial release into the environment
in Australia, while biotech cotton is the only crop grown widely in the
country. Research is being conducted on other biotech crops, with field
trials controlled by the Office of the Gene Technology Regulator (OGTR)
being conducted on some, i.e., rice, white clover, narrow-leafed lupin,
grapevines, pineapple, papaya, sugarcane and poppies. Approval has
already been granted for food products derived from biotech corn,
soybean, sugarbeet, potatoes and oils from biotech cotton and canola.

For GMOs that have not received regulatory approval in Australia, U.S.
export opportunities are, obviously, restricted. For the United States,
the commercial impact of this constraint would be most pronounced for
feed grain, e.g. whole corn, and soybeans. However, Australia does not
allow the importation of many grains and/or grain products for
phytosanitary reasons. Furthermore, bans and restrictions on the growing
of GMOs in a number of Australian states and territories is slowing the
commercialization and adoption of the technology and negatively impacts
the ability of U.S. companies to market their GMO products (specifically
canola).

Australia's regulatory framework for genetically modified food and feed
has only a relatively limited impact on U.S. exports of these products.
Australia requires that food products derived from GMOs, if they contain
more than 1% of biotech product, get prior approval from Food Standards
Australia New Zealand before they can be sold. Such products must also
be labeled to indicate that they contain biotech products.

In addition to Australia's regulatory framework for biotechnology, a
government agency -- Biotechnology Australia (BA) -- coordinates
non-regulatory biotechnology issues for the Australian Government. BA, a
multi-departmental agency, includes members from the Australian
Departments of Industry, Tourism and Resources; Health and Ageing;
Agriculture Fisheries and Forestry; Environment Australia; and
Education, Science and Training. BA is responsible for developing and
implementing Australia's National Biotechnology Strategy (NBS). The NBS
supports the Government's vision for biotechnology -- capturing the
benefits of biotechnology for the Australian community, industry and
environment, consistent with safeguarding human health and ensuring
environmental protection.

# Section II: Biotechnology Trade and Production

## Commercial Crops

Biotech cotton, color modified carnations and canola are the only crops
approved for commercial release by Australia's Gene Technology
Regulator. It is estimated that biotech cotton varieties are grown on
about 80 percent of Australia's cotton area. The Regulator approved the
commercial releases of two biotech canola varieties in 2003. However,
commercial plantings of biotech canola are being held up due to
moratoriums that have been implemented by state governments in all
Australia's major canola producing states.

[Biotech Cotton]{.underline}

Biotech cotton has been grown commercially in Australia since the
approval and introduction of Bt, or Ingard, cotton in 1996. 'Ingard'
cotton contains a gene from a soil bacteria, Bacillius thuringiensis, or
Bt, that provides insect resistance. Commercial plantings of 'Ingard'
cotton in Australia were restricted to 30 percent of total cotton area
for insect resistance management purposes. Australia's Commonwealth
Scientific Industrial Research Organization (CSIRO) developed 'Ingard'
cotton, using a gene owned by Monsanto.

Roundup Ready cotton (herbicide tolerance) and Roundup Ready/Bt cotton
(herbicide tolerance/insect resistance) were subsequently approved and
grown commercially for the first time in 2001. Roundup Ready/Bt cotton
was developed using conventional breeding of the two GMO varieties.

In 2003, Australia's Gene Technology Regulator approved an additional
cotton variety -- 'Bollgard II' -- for commercial release and the first
major commercial plantings were made during the 2003/04 season.
'Bollgard II' contains two 'Bt' genes (as opposed to the one in 'Ingard'
cotton), which delays the development of insect resistance to the Bt
toxin. 'Bollgard II' is being phased in as 'Bt' cotton is phased out.
Once 'Bt' cotton is phased out, 'Bollgard II' can be used on up to 80
percent of Australia's cotton area which is equivalent to about 250,000
hectares. 'Bollgard II' was developed by CSIRO using genes under license
from Monsanto.

In addition, there are a number of biotech cotton varieties that are
currently undergoing trials. These include insect-resistant and
herbicide-tolerant varieties, as well as a high oleic acid content
variety being developed by CSIRO.

CSIRO analysis indicates that 'Bt' cotton allowed Australia's cotton
farmers to reduce pesticide applications by about 50 percent, compared
to conventional cotton varieties. CSIRO research shows that 'Bollgard
II' will reduce pesticide applications by up to 75 percent.

Australian food standards require approval and labeling of food or food
ingredients that contain new genetic material or protein or have altered
characteristics as a result of gene modification. Refined oil from
biotech cottonseed, however, does not require a label because the oil
contains no genetic material and the cottonseed oil is identical to
conventional cottonseed oil.

[Carnations]{.underline}

Biotech carnations, modified for flower color, were approved for general
release in Australia in September 1995 under the former voluntary system
(GMAC). Biotech carnations have been commercially available in Australia
since 1996. Only one company, Florigene, is licensed to grow biotech
carnations and it is believed that they are the only company in the
world dealing with biotech carnations. Currently five genetically
modified carnations are being grown.

[Canola]{.underline}

The commercial releases of two biotech canola varieties (InVigor^®^
hybrid & Roundup Ready^®^) were approved by OGTR in 2003. However,
commercial plantings of these varieties are being held up due to
moratoriums that have been implemented by state governments in all
Australia's major canola producing states.

## Applications Under Evaluation

A list of GMO applications currently under evaluation by OGTR is
contained in Appendix I of this report.

## Imported Products

Under the Gene Technology Act 2000, approval or authorization must be
obtained to deal with genetically modified organisms. This means that
the importation of live, viable GMOs, are regulated under the Act.
Importers need to apply to OGTR for a license or authorization to import
any GMO into Australia. OGTR and the Australian Quarantine and
Inspection Service (AQIS) work closely to regulate and enforce this
situation. The AQIS application form for an import permit contains a
section relating to the genetically modified status of the product.

Foods containing biotech materials must be approved by Food Standards
Australia New Zealand and be labeled if the biotech content is greater
than 1% before they can be sold in Australia. This applies to all
domestically produced and imported food. A list of currently approved
biotech food products is contained in Appendix III of this report.

Processed animal feeds, such as soy meal, are not covered by biotech
legislation in Australia. These products, therefore, do not require
prior approval or a license (see Section III of this report) to be
imported. There are, however, quarantine restrictions on some products.
Unprocessed biotech products imported as feed (i.e. whole grain, etc),
would require a license from OGTR, as there is a possibility that seed
could be released into the environment.

# Section III: Biotechnology Policy

## The GMO Regulatory System

The Gene Technology Act 2000 (the Act) came into force on June 21, 2001
as the Commonwealth component of a national regulatory scheme. The Act
and the associated Gene Technology Regulations 2001, provide a
comprehensive process for the Gene Technology Regulator to assess
proposed dealings with live and viable GMOs ranging from contained work
in certified laboratories to general releases of GMOs into the
environment, and extensive powers to monitor and enforce license
conditions. An Inter-Governmental Agreement, between the Commonwealth
and the states and territories, underpins the system for regulating
genetically modified organisms in Australia. The Ministerial Council for
Gene Technology, comprising ministers from the Commonwealth and each
state and territory, oversees the regulatory framework and provides
advice to the Gene Technology Regulator on policy principles to assist
in decision-making. The individual states and territories have passed or
are developing complimentary legislation to the Gene Technology Act in
their jurisdictions.

The object of the Gene Technology Act is: \"To protect the health and
safety of people, and to protect the environment, by identifying risks
posed by or as a result of gene technology, and by managing those risks
through regulating certain dealings with genetically modified
organisms.\"

The Act prohibits all dealings with GMOs unless the dealing is:

-   A licensed dealing;

-   A notifiable low risk dealing;

-   Exempt dealing; or

-   Included on the GMO Register.

Key features of the Act are the appointment of an independent Gene
Technology Regulator and a requirement for transparent and accountable
implementation. The Regulator administers the regulation of all dealings
with GMOs in Australia, in accordance with the Act and ensures
compliance with the conditions of any approvals. The Regulator consults
extensively with the community, research institutions and private
enterprise.

The Gene Technology Regulator liaises with other regulatory agencies,
including Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ), the National
Registration Authority for Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (NRA),
and the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), to coordinate the
approval of biotech products for use and sale. The Act creates a Public
Record of GMO Dealings and GM Products that resides on the OGTR website:
[www.ogtr.gov.au](http://www.ogtr.gov.au/).

The Act also establishes three committees to advise the Regulator and
the Ministerial Council:

-   The Gene Technology Technical Advisory Committee (GTTAC) -- a group
    of highly qualified experts who provide scientific and technical
    advice on applications;

-   The Gene Technology Ethics Committee (GTEC) -- a group of expert
    ethicists, which provides ethical advice, particularly in the areas
    of law, religious practices, animal welfare and population health;
    and

-   The Gene Technology Community Consultative Committee (GTCCC) -- a
    group of people representing the broad interests within the
    Australian community, including consumers, researchers, and
    environmentalists. This group looks beyond the science of gene
    technology to matters of general concern to the community in
    relation to GMOs.

## GMOs vs GM Product

The Gene Technology Act 2000 distinguishes between genetically modified
organisms (GMOs) and genetically modified (GM) products. A genetically
modified product - 'GM product' - means a thing (other than a GMO)
derived or produced from a GMO (Section 10 of the GT Act).

The Office of the Gene Technology Regulator (OGTR) does not directly
regulate the use of GM products in Australia. However, the use of GM
products is regulated by other regulatory agencies in a number of
situations. Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) regulates the
use of GM products in food for human consumption, and the Therapeutic
Goods Administration regulates the use of GM products as human
therapeutics. The National Industrial Chemical Notification and
Assessment Scheme (NICNAS) regulates any GM products derived from
industrial chemicals and the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary
Medicines Authority (APVMA) evaluates and approves pesticides and
veterinary medicines containing GM products.

## GMOs Already Licensed by OGTR

A list of GMOs already licensed by OGTR is contained in Appendix II of
this report.

## Biotech Food

Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) is the Australian
Government agency responsible for approving GM food products for the
Australian market. Mandatory labeling of genetically modified foods,
where introduced DNA or protein is present in the final food, came into
force in Australia on December 7, 2001. Regulations for labeling are
contained in [Standard
1.5.2](http://www.foodstandards.gov.au/foodstandardscode/index.cfm#_FSCchapter1)
of the [Food Standards
Code](http://www.foodstandards.gov.au/foodstandardscode/). A list of
currently approved biotech food products is contained in Appendix III of
this report.

Under the Standard, food or ingredients labeled genetically modified
contain new genetic material or protein as a result of the genetic
modification or have altered characteristics, e.g. changed nutritional
values, compared to the conventional food. Some flavorings may also be
derived from genetically modified organisms, but labeling is only
required if they are in a concentration of more than 1 gram per kilogram
(0.1%). Food additives and processing aids do not need to be labeled
unless the introduced genetic material is present in the final food.

Under the labeling standard, for packaged foods the words \'genetically
modified\' must be used in conjunction with the name of the food, or in
association with the specific ingredient within the ingredient list; and
for unpackaged foods for retail sale (such as unpackaged fruit and
vegetables, or unpackaged processed or semi-processed foods) the words
\'genetically modified\' must be displayed in association with the food,
or in association with the particular ingredient within that food.

## Biotech Feed Products

Animal feeds containing GMOs (e.g. whole grains or oilseeds) are
regulated by the OGTR. The OGTR considers any biosafety risks associated
with the product and, if necessary, will apply special conditions, or
may prohibit the use of the product as animal feed. As an example, after
a GMO has undergone field trials, the organization conducting the trials
may wish to use the unviable by-product (such as seed) as animal feed.
Before the product is used in any way, the Gene Technology Regulator
will consider any risks and, if necessary, will apply conditions or
disallow the product to be used.

The Australian Quarantine & Inspection Service (AQIS) and the OGTR must
approve genetically modified whole grain commodities (including
oilseeds) imported into Australia for animal feed (such as whole
soybeans and corn). The AQIS provides quarantine inspection and
certification for the arrival of imports of the products to ensure the
product is free of pest and disease and specific license conditions are
enforced to ensure the product meets requirements. The OGTR also
assesses the product, issues a license to the organization importing the
product, and may apply further conditions above those stipulated by
AQIS.

Large amounts of biotech feed products are used in Australia's intensive
livestock sector. A large proportion of Australia's soybean meal is
imported, including from the United States. All cottonseed meal used in
Australia is considered to be biotech as over 80 percent of the cotton
crop is planted to biotech varieties. Biotech and non-biotech cotton
varieties are not typically segregated in Australia.

It should be noted that some industries, in particular poultry and
dairy, have recently sourced non-biotech products for their feed under
pressure from consumer and other interest groups. However, in a draft
report, the Australian Dairy Industry Council (ADIC) - the peak body for
dairy farmers and processors - has declared its interest in being
allowed to feed GM crops and pastures to dairy cows. The dairy
industry's shift in position will eliminate support for the Victorian
government's moratorium on genetically modified (GM) crops, and the
state government has often trumpeted dairy's opposition to GM to justify
its ban. The ADIC report argues that the benefits of GM technology are
too great to ignore and that consumer resistance to the idea will
eventually fade.

Genetically modified animal feed does not require special labeling in
Australia.

## Coexistence Between Biotech & Non-Biotech Crops

Coexistence of biotech, conventional, and organic crops has occurred in
Australia since biotech cotton varieties were commercially grown in
1996. As part of any license to grow a biotech crop, OGTR stipulates the
conditions under which the crop can be grown to ensure no
cross-contamination with conventional or organic crops in the vicinity.

In October 2005, national consensus was achieved in Australia regarding
practical thresholds to deal with the issue of traces of GM canola in
conventional canola consignments and variety trials. The Primary
Industries Ministerial Council (PIMC), which is comprised of Ministers
from the Australian Government and each state and territory, agreed upon
adventitious presence (AP) thresholds for the presence of GM canola in
conventional grain and seed.

The PIMC meeting agreed on two thresholds:

-   An AP threshold of 0.9 per cent GM canola in canola grain. This is
    the threshold supported by the Australian Oilseeds Federation (AOF).

-   A second threshold for AP of GM canola in seed was set at 0.5 per
    cent for 2006 and 2007, to be reduced to 0.1 per cent thereafter.
    The Australian Seed Federation (ASF) established an AP threshold of
    0.5 per cent GM seed in non-GM planting seed in 2003 following two
    years of research and consultation with the canola seed industry.

## Biosafety Protocol

Australia has not signed or ratified the Biosafety Protocol and the
Australian Government has no timetable for consideration of accession to
the Protocol. This is due to concerns about how the Protocol will
operate in practice (documentation requirements, and the liability and
compliance arrangements are yet to be agreed), uncertainty about how
parties will implement the Protocol and whether they will do so in a way
which respects all of their international obligations, and uncertainty
about any individual country's capacity to influence decision-making.
Moreover, the government considers that the Protocol is not needed for
Australia to manage biotech imports as Australia already has a robust
regulatory framework through the Office of Gene Technology Regulator.

# Section IV: Marketing

## Market Acceptance

Australia has a substantial, risk assessment based regulatory framework
for dealings with gene technology and genetically modified organisms and
the Government is supportive of the technology. Australia's
biotechnology sector is small in global terms, but growing, with over
500 biotechnology organizations in 2005 (this includes all types of
biotechnology, not just agricultural biotechnology).

Most Australian states and territories (using their powers over
commodity 'marketing') have moved to restrict or ban the commercial
planting of biotech crops in their jurisdictions. Biotech canola, which
OGTR approved for commercial release in 2003, has been the driving force
behind most of these restrictions. Major Australian commodity groups
have voiced concerns about introducing biotech canola and have advocated
for a 'go-slow' approach, largely because of the potential impact
biotech canola could have on their domestic and export businesses.

The Australian cotton crop is over 80 percent biotech, and there has
been little controversy concerning its cultivation. Indeed,
environmental benefits and the significant decline in pesticide and
herbicide use for this crop have been widely reported. Biotech
cottonseed does appear in the domestic market through the oil and meal,
and this has not met with any major opposition.

The experience with biotech canola, however, would seem to indicate that
it could be some time before Australia has large-scale commercial
plantings of biotech food crops, even when varieties have met the
approval of OGTR. OGTR is currently assessing applications for field
trials for biotech wheat, while field trials of other biotech wheat
varieties were conducted dating back to 1996. Presently, however, there
is significant resistance to any commercial growing of biotech wheat.
AWB Limited, the monopoly wheat exporter, has expressed concern about
biotech wheat's potential impact on its existing export markets and
argues that commercial releases shouldn't go forward until market
preferences change and/or the supply chain can guarantee segregation.
This commercial resistance and the restrictions in place in the states
and territories will make the introduction of biotech wheat problematic.

Private voluntary groups have been active in Australia in attempting to
pressure producers, food processors and retailers to stop using biotech
products in their businesses. These efforts have been widely reported,
but their effectiveness has been relatively limited. A recent survey
found that Australians are more likely to be concerned about pollution,
greenhouse effects and nuclear waste than any risk in the use of gene
technology.

### National Biotechnology Strategy

The Australian Federal Government launched the [National Biotechnology
Strategy](http://www.biotechnology.gov.au/index.cfm?event=object.showContent&objectID=538B635B-BCD6-81AC-1E1B66BB24EA3184)
(NBS) in July 2000 with A\$30.5 million over three years (FY 2001--04)
for targeted initiatives to support the Government's vision for
biotechnology. The Strategy was boosted in January 2001 by a further
A\$66.5m from the Innovation Statement, Backing Australia's Ability,
with funding for the Biotechnology Center of Excellence and additional
funding for the Biotechnology Innovation Fund. In July 2004, under
Backing Australia's Ability- Building Our Future through Science and
Innovation, the Australian Government provided a further A\$20m to
strengthen Australia's competitiveness in biotechnology, through
continuing the National Biotechnology Strategy and Biotechnology
Australia till 2008. Further funding was also provided to extend support
for the Australian Stem Cell Centre until 2010-11.

Biotechnology also receives funding through other programs in the
health, agriculture, environment and education portfolios. In addition
to the Commonwealth Government's contribution to biotechnology
development, Australia's State and Territory governments also commit
resources to the development of biotechnology.

The key objective of the Strategy is to provide a framework for
Government and key stakeholders to work together to ensure that
developments in biotechnology are captured for the benefit of the
Australian community, industry and the environment, while safeguarding
human health and ensuring environmental protection. The Strategy
addresses six key themes with specific objectives and strategies to
achieve them:

-   Biotechnology in the community

-   Ensuring effective regulation

-   Biotechnology in the economy

-   Australian biotechnology in the global market

-   Resources for biotechnology; and

-   Maintaining momentum and coordination.

Following the 2004 BIO conference, a [National Approach Work
Program](http://www.biotechnology.gov.au/index.cfm?event=object.showContent&objectID=5380D9E8-BCD6-81AC-19DA67FC1ACA02A7)
was agreed to by Australian Governments to build on national strengths
in biotechnology collaboratively to avoid duplication and dilution of
effort.

### Biotechnology Australia

[Biotechnology Australia](http://www.biotechnology.gov.au/) (BA) was
established in 1999 as an agency comprising five Australian Government
departments - the Department of Industry, Tourism and Resources, the
Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Department of Health
and Ageing, Department of Environment and Heritage, and Department of
Education, Science and Training. BA coordinates the non-regulatory
biotechnology activities of the Australian Government. BA also works
with the states and territories to strengthen national efforts on
biotechnology through the Biotechnology Liaison Committee.

Biotechnology Australia and its partners have responsibility for
managing the National Biotechnology Strategy.

Biotechnology Australia contains two sections (Strategic Policy, and
Public Awareness) through which it undertakes a range of key activities,
including:

-   Management of the [National Biotechnology
    Strategy](../../../../../../../../index.cfm%3Fevent=object.showContent&objectID=538B635B-BCD6-81AC-1E1B66BB24EA3184)

-   Implementation of the [Biotechnology National Approach Work
    Program](../../../../../../../../index.cfm%3Fevent=object.showContent&objectID=5380D9E8-BCD6-81AC-19DA67FC1ACA02A7)

-   A Public Awareness Program with multiple elements including:

-   [The Gene Technology Information
    Service](../../../../../../../../index.cfm%3Fevent=object.showContent&objectID=EC4F2FE9-BCD6-81AC-14D1ADECB27F5266)

-   Participation in rural and community forums

-   Provision of Educational Materials

-   Maintenance of the Biotechnology Online schools resource

-   Production of a Fact Sheets series

-   Extensive monitoring of Public Attitudes to Biotechnology

-   Secretariat support for the [Biotechnology Ministerial
    Council,](../../../../../../../../index.cfm%3Fevent=object.showContent&objectID=5385FDD3-BCD6-81AC-112C2BAC3B8E958A)
    the [Australian Biotechnology Advisory
    Council,](../../../../../../../../index.cfm%3Fevent=object.showContent&objectID=53799C64-BCD6-81AC-197045E7DFCC6514)
    the [Biotechnology Liaison
    Committee](../../../../../../../../index.cfm%3Fevent=object.showContent&objectID=5387AC5E-BCD6-81AC-1BD9C7982D5A33EC),
    and the meetings of Secretaries and officials from Biotechnology
    Australia's [partner
    agencies.](../../../../../../../../index.cfm%3Fevent=object.showContent&objectID=F6E4AC92-BCD6-81AC-1DC6139C0A400CFA)

### National Farmers Federation

In March 2003, the National Farmers Federation released a [Biotechnology
Position
Statement](http://www.nff.com.au/pages/sub/biotechnology_position.pdf)
recognizing the potential of biotechnology as a valuable tool within
agricultural production systems and urging that all potential benefits
should be available to farmers to make informed choice in their farming
decisions.

## Country Specific Studies Relevant to U.S. Exporters

The **Department of Agriculture, Fisheries & Forestry** has a number of
publications available on the [Agriculture & Food Biotechnology
page](http://www.affa.gov.au/content/output.cfm?ObjectID=5A53B336-FC4E-411E-8C06A9D82C6AE0C9).

[**Agrifood Awareness Australia**](http://www.afaa.com.au/) -- This
organization publishes a large number of bulletins and information
guides.

[**Rural Industries Research & Development
Corporation**](http://www.rirdc.gov.au/) has published the following
studies:

[Impact of Genetic Engineering on Consumer Demand, February
2005](http://www.rirdc.gov.au/reports/GLC/05-015.pdf)

[Global Response to GM Food Technology: Implications for Australia,
February 2005](http://www.rirdc.gov.au/reports/GLC/05-016.pdf)

[**Biotechnology Australia**](http://www.biotechnology.gov.au/index.cfm)
also has a number of papers & reports available on their website.

# Section V: Reference Material

Below are links to various organizations involved in the agricultural
biotechnology sector in Australia.

[Australian Government]{.underline}

[Office of the Gene Technology Regulator](http://www.ogtr.gov.au/)

[Biotechnology Australia](http://www.biotechnology.gov.au/)

[Food Standards Australia New Zealand](http://www.foodstandards.gov.au/)

[Australian Pesticides & Veterinary Medicines
Authority](http://www.apvma.gov.au/)

[Therapeutic Goods Administration](http://www.tga.gov.au/gene/index.htm)

[Department of Agriculture, Fisheries &
Forestry](http://www.affa.gov.au/content/output.cfm?ObjectID=5A53B336-FC4E-411E-8C06A9D82C6AE0C9)

[Other Organizations]{.underline}

[Agrifood Awareness Australia](http://www.afaa.com.au/)

[National Farmers Federation](http://www.nff.org.au/)

# Appendix I: GMO Applications Under Evaluation

The Office of the Gene Technology Register has received the following
applications for evaluation. All applications are posted on the OGTR
website when they are first received and again when public comment is
sought. Full details of all applications can be found at:
[www.ogtr.gov.au/ir/index.htm](http://www.ogtr.gov.au/ir/index.htm).

  ------------ ---------------------------- --------------- --------------------
  **Crop**     **Trait Category**           **Applicant**   **Status**

  Cotton       Commercial release of GM     Monsanto        Notification posted
               herbicide tolerant and/or    Australia Ltd   10 April 2006
               insect resistant cottons                     
               north of latitude 22° south                  

  Cotton       Limited and controlled       Deltapine       Notification posted
               release of GM insect         Australia Ltd   5 April 2006
               resistant (VIP3A and/or                      
               Cry1Ab) cotton                               

  Cotton       Limited and controlled       Monsanto        Notification posted
               release of water-efficient   Australia Ltd   29 March 2006
               GM cotton                                    

  Cotton       Field trial of GM cotton     Hexima Ltd      Notification posted
               expressing natural plant                     22 February 2006.
               genes for fungal control                     Call for public
                                                            comment posted 7
                                                            June 2006

  Cotton       Commercial release of        Bayer           Notification posted
               herbicide tolerant Liberty   CropScience Pty 7 February 2006.
               Link® Cotton for use in the  Ltd             Call for public
               Australian cropping system                   comment posted 26
                                                            May 2006

  Wheat        Intentional release of       Grain Biotech   Notification posted
               Genetically Modified Wheat   Australia Pty   28 October 2005.
                                            Ltd             Call for public
                                                            comment posted 10
                                                            March 2006

  Carnations   Commercial scale release of  Florigene       Current license for
               GM blue Carnations including                 dealings (DIR
               propagation, growth and                      030/2002).
               distribution                                 Invitation to
                                                            comment opened
                                                            August 2005 and
                                                            closed October 2005
  ------------ ---------------------------- --------------- --------------------

# Appendix II: GMOs Already Licensed for Use in Australia

The following biotech crops have been granted licenses by OGTR for
various uses. Full details are available on the OGTR website at:
[www.ogtr.gov.au/gmorec/ir.htm](http://www.ogtr.gov.au/gmorec/ir.htm).

+----------+------------------+-----------+----------------+----------+
| **Crop** | **Trait          | **Ap      | **License      | **       |
|          | Category**       | plicant** | Purpose**      | Status** |
+----------+------------------+-----------+----------------+----------+
| **Rose** | Altered flower   | Florigene | Limited and    | Current  |
|          | color,           | Limited   | controlled     |          |
| *Rosa* X | selectable       |           | release of GM  |          |
| *        | marker           |           | rose lines     |          |
| hybrida* |                  |           |                |          |
| L.       |                  |           |                |          |
+----------+------------------+-----------+----------------+----------+
| **       | Prolonged        | Monsanto  | Commercial     | Current  |
| Cotton** | herbicide        | Australia | release of     |          |
|          | tolerance and/or | Pty Ltd   | herbicide      |          |
| *G       | insect           |           | tolerant       |          |
| ossypium | resistance,      |           | (Roundup Ready |          |
| h        | antibiotic       |           | Flex® MON      |          |
| irsutum* | resistance,      |           | 88913) and     |          |
| L.       | reporter gene    |           | herbicide      |          |
|          | expression       |           | t              |          |
|          |                  |           | olerant/insect |          |
|          |                  |           | resistant      |          |
|          |                  |           | (Roundup Ready |          |
|          |                  |           | Flex® MON      |          |
|          |                  |           | 88913/Bollgard |          |
|          |                  |           | II®) cotton    |          |
|          |                  |           | south of       |          |
|          |                  |           | latitude 22°   |          |
|          |                  |           | South in       |          |
|          |                  |           | Australia      |          |
+----------+------------------+-----------+----------------+----------+
| **       | Insect           | Deltapine | Limited and    | Current  |
| Cotton** | resistance,      | Australia | controlled     |          |
|          | antibiotic       | Pty Ltd   | release of     |          |
| *G       | resistance       |           | insect         |          |
| ossypium |                  |           | resistant      |          |
| h        |                  |           | (VIP) GM       |          |
| irsutum* |                  |           | cotton         |          |
| L.       |                  |           |                |          |
+----------+------------------+-----------+----------------+----------+
| **Indian | Herbicide        | Bayer     | Field trials   | Current  |
| mustard  | tolerance and    | Cr        | of genetically |          |
| (        | hybrid breeding  | opScience | modified       |          |
| includes | system           | Pty Ltd   | herbicide      |          |
| Brown    |                  |           | tolerant,      |          |
| and      |                  |           | hybrid         |          |
| Oriental |                  |           | Brassica       |          |
| mu       |                  |           | juncea         |          |
| stard)** |                  |           |                |          |
|          |                  |           |                |          |
| *        |                  |           |                |          |
| Brassica |                  |           |                |          |
| juncea*  |                  |           |                |          |
| L. Czern |                  |           |                |          |
| and      |                  |           |                |          |
| Coss.    |                  |           |                |          |
+----------+------------------+-----------+----------------+----------+
| **       | Herbicide        | Bayer     | Field trial of | Current  |
| Cotton** | tolerance,       | Cr        | herbicide      |          |
|          | insecticidal     | opScience | tolerant       |          |
| G        | action,          | Pty Ltd   | (              |          |
| ossypium | antibiotic       |           | LLCotton25)and |          |
| hirsutum | resistance,      |           | herbicide      |          |
| L.       | reporter gene    |           | t              |          |
|          | expression       |           | olerant/insect |          |
|          |                  |           | resistant      |          |
|          |                  |           | (LLCot         |          |
|          |                  |           | ton25/Bollgard |          |
|          |                  |           | II®) cottons   |          |
+----------+------------------+-----------+----------------+----------+
| **       | Prolonged        | Monsanto  | Field trial of | Current  |
| Cotton** | herbicide        | Australia | herbicide      |          |
|          | tolerance,       | Ltd       | tolerant       |          |
| *G       | insecticidal     |           | (Roundup       |          |
| ossypium | action,          |           | Ready® Flex    |          |
| h        | antibiotic       |           | MON 88913) and |          |
| irsutum* | resistance,      |           | herbicide      |          |
| L.       | reporter gene    |           | t              |          |
|          | expression       |           | olerant/insect |          |
|          |                  |           | resistant      |          |
|          |                  |           | (Roundup       |          |
|          |                  |           | Ready® Flex    |          |
|          |                  |           | MON            |          |
|          |                  |           | 88913/Bollgard |          |
|          |                  |           | II®) cottons   |          |
+----------+------------------+-----------+----------------+----------+
| **Bread  | Altered grain    | CSIRO     | Field trial of | Current  |
| wheat**  | starch and       |           | genetically    |          |
|          | Antibiotic       |           | modified wheat |          |
| *T       | resistance       |           | with altered   |          |
| riticium |                  |           | grain starch   |          |
| aestivum |                  |           |                |          |
| L.*      |                  |           |                |          |
+----------+------------------+-----------+----------------+----------+
| **Bread  | Salt tolerance,  | Grain     | Field trial of | Current  |
| wheat**  | herbicide        | Biotech   | genetically    |          |
|          | tolerance        | Australia | modified salt  |          |
| *        |                  | Pty Ltd   | tolerant wheat |          |
| Triticum |                  |           | on saline land |          |
| aestivum |                  |           |                |          |
| L.*      |                  |           |                |          |
+----------+------------------+-----------+----------------+----------+
| **Cu     | Herbicide        | CSIRO     | Field trial of | Current  |
| ltivated | tolerance,       |           | genetically    |          |
| rice**   | antibiotic       |           | modified rice  |          |
|          | resistance and   |           | (*Oryza        |          |
| *Oryza   | reporter genes   |           | sativa* L.)    |          |
| sativa*  | have been        |           | functional     |          |
| L. cv    | randomly         |           | ch             |          |
| Ni       | inserted into    |           | aracterization |          |
| pponbare | rice plants.     |           | of the rice    |          |
|          | Some plant       |           | genome         |          |
|          | growth traits    |           |                |          |
|          | may be modified  |           |                |          |
|          | by gene          |           |                |          |
|          | knockouts.       |           |                |          |
+----------+------------------+-----------+----------------+----------+
| **Sug    | Altered sugar    | The       | Field trial of | Current  |
| arcane** | production and   | U         | genetically    |          |
|          | Antibiotic       | niversity | modified (GM)  |          |
| *S       | resistance       | of        | sugarcane      |          |
| accharum |                  | Q         | expressing     |          |
| offi     |                  | ueensland | sucrose        |          |
| cinarum* |                  |           | isomerase      |          |
| L. x S.  |                  |           |                |          |
| sp       |                  |           |                |          |
| ontaneum |                  |           |                |          |
| L.       |                  |           |                |          |
+----------+------------------+-----------+----------------+----------+
| **Bovine | • expression of  | Q         | Vaccination of | Current  |
| her      | green            | ueensland | cattle with    |          |
| pesvirus | fluorescent      | D         | recombinant    |          |
| 1        | protein (GFP)\   | epartment | bovine         |          |
| (B       | • expression of  | of        | herpesvirus    |          |
| oHV-1)** | envelope         | Primary   | vaccines       |          |
|          | glycoprotein E2\ | I         |                |          |
| *Bovine  | • expression of  | ndustries |                |          |
| herp     | a truncated E0   | &         |                |          |
| esvirus* | glycoprotein     | Fisheries |                |          |
| 1        | fused to GFP or  |           |                |          |
| subtype  | to the E2        |           |                |          |
| 1.2b     | glycoprotein\    |           |                |          |
| strain   | • localization   |           |                |          |
| V155     | of introduced    |           |                |          |
|          | proteins on the  |           |                |          |
|          | surface of the   |           |                |          |
|          | GMOs or host     |           |                |          |
|          | cells\           |           |                |          |
|          | • deletion or    |           |                |          |
|          | disruption of    |           |                |          |
|          | endogenous       |           |                |          |
|          | BoHV-1 genes     |           |                |          |
+----------+------------------+-----------+----------------+----------+
| **       | One reporter     | CSIRO     | GM cotton      | Current  |
| Cotton** | gene (enables    |           | Field Trial -  |          |
|          | detection and    |           | Evaluation     |          |
| G        | quantification   |           | under field    |          |
| ossypium | of gene          |           | conditions of  |          |
| hirsutum | expression)      |           | the cotton     |          |
| L        | linked to one of |           | rubisco small  |          |
|          | two promoters,   |           | subunit        |          |
|          | and either one   |           | promoter       |          |
|          | or two           |           | driving a      |          |
|          | selectable       |           | reporter gene  |          |
|          | marker genes     |           |                |          |
|          | (antibiotic      |           |                |          |
|          | resistance)      |           |                |          |
+----------+------------------+-----------+----------------+----------+
| **       | Insecticidal     | Hexima    | Field trial to | Current  |
| Cotton** | action,          | Limited   | assess         |          |
|          | antibiotic       | Ltd       | transgenic     |          |
| G        | resistance       |           | cotton         |          |
| ossypium |                  |           | expressing     |          |
| hirsutum |                  |           | natural plant  |          |
| L        |                  |           | genes for      |          |
|          |                  |           | insect control |          |
+----------+------------------+-----------+----------------+----------+
| **White  | Viral Disease    | D         | Field          | Current  |
| Clover** | Resistance,      | epartment | Evaluation of  |          |
|          | Antibiotic       | of        | Genetically    |          |
| T        | resistance       | Primary   | Modified White |          |
| rifolium |                  | I         | Clover         |          |
| repens L |                  | ndustries | Resistant to   |          |
|          |                  | (         | Infection by   |          |
|          |                  | Victoria) | Alfalfa Mosaic |          |
|          |                  |           | Virus          |          |
+----------+------------------+-----------+----------------+----------+
| **Fowl   | Immunomodulatory | Imugene   | Limited and    | Current  |
| aden     | protein          | Limited   | controlled     |          |
| ovirus** | expression,      |           | release of GM  |          |
|          | Attenuation      |           | fowl           |          |
| Fowl     |                  |           | adenovirus     |          |
| ade      |                  |           | (FAV)          |          |
| novirus, |                  |           |                |          |
| serotype |                  |           |                |          |
| 8,       |                  |           |                |          |
| isolate  |                  |           |                |          |
| CFA44    |                  |           |                |          |
+----------+------------------+-----------+----------------+----------+
| **       | Insecticidal and | Dow       | Agronomic      | Current  |
| Cotton** | herbicide        | Agr       | assessment and |          |
|          | tolerance        | oSciences | seed increase  |          |
| G        |                  | Australia | of transgenic  |          |
| ossypium |                  | Pty Ltd   | cottons        |          |
| hirsutum |                  |           | expressing     |          |
| L        |                  |           | insecticidal   |          |
|          |                  |           | genes (cry1Ac  |          |
|          |                  |           | and cry1Fa)    |          |
|          |                  |           | from Bacillus  |          |
|          |                  |           | thuringiensis  |          |
+----------+------------------+-----------+----------------+----------+
| **       | Insect           | Dow       | Agronomic      | Current  |
| Cotton** | resistance,      | Agr       | assessment and |          |
|          | herbicide        | oSciences | seed increase  |          |
| G        | tolerance        | Australia | of transgenic  |          |
| ossypium |                  | Pty Ltd   | cotton         |          |
| hirsutum |                  |           | expressing     |          |
|          |                  |           | insect         |          |
|          |                  |           | tolerance      |          |
|          |                  |           | genes from     |          |
|          |                  |           | Bacillus       |          |
|          |                  |           | thuringiensis  |          |
+----------+------------------+-----------+----------------+----------+
| **       | Modified fatty   | CSIRO     | Field          | Current  |
| Cotton** | acid content in  |           | Evaluation of  |          |
|          | cottonseed oil   |           | Genetically    |          |
| G        |                  |           | Modified High  |          |
| ossypium |                  |           | Oleic (HO)     |          |
| hirsutum |                  |           | Cotton         |          |
+----------+------------------+-----------+----------------+----------+
| **       | Herbicide        | CSIRO     | Field trial    | Current  |
| Cotton** | tolerance        |           | for breeding   |          |
|          |                  |           | and            |          |
| G        |                  |           | pre-commercial |          |
| ossypium |                  |           | evaluation of  |          |
| hirsutum |                  |           | GM cotton      |          |
|          |                  |           | expressing     |          |
|          |                  |           | tolerance to   |          |
|          |                  |           | the herbicide  |          |
|          |                  |           | glufosinate    |          |
|          |                  |           | ammonium       |          |
+----------+------------------+-----------+----------------+----------+
| **       | Insect           | CSIRO     | Breeding and   | Current  |
| Cotton** | resistance,      |           | pre-commercial |          |
|          | herbicide        |           | evaluation of  |          |
| G        | tolerance,       |           | transgenic     |          |
| ossypium | antibiotic       |           | cotton         |          |
| hirsutum | resistance       |           | expressing a   |          |
|          |                  |           | vegetative     |          |
|          |                  |           | insecticidal   |          |
|          |                  |           | protein        |          |
|          |                  |           | *(VIP)* gene   |          |
|          |                  |           | and a          |          |
|          |                  |           | herbicide      |          |
|          |                  |           | tolerance gene |          |
+----------+------------------+-----------+----------------+----------+
| **       | Enhanced         | Monsanto  | Field trials   | Current  |
| Cotton** | herbicide        | Australia | of herbicide   |          |
|          | tolerance,       | Ltd       | tolerant       |          |
| G        | insect           |           | (Roundup       |          |
| ossypium | resistance,      |           | Ready® MON     |          |
| hirsutum | antibiotic       |           | 88913) and     |          |
|          | resistance,      |           | herbicide      |          |
|          | reporter gene    |           | t              |          |
|          | expression       |           | olerant/insect |          |
|          |                  |           | resistant      |          |
|          |                  |           | (Roundup       |          |
|          |                  |           | Ready® MON     |          |
|          |                  |           | 88913/Bollgard |          |
|          |                  |           | II®) cotton    |          |
+----------+------------------+-----------+----------------+----------+
| **       | Insect           | Syngenta  | The Evaluation | Current  |
| Cotton** | resistance,      | Seeds Pty | of Transgenic  |          |
|          | antibiotic       | Ltd       | Cotton Plants  |          |
| G        | resistance       |           | Expressing the |          |
| ossypium |                  |           | VIP Gene       |          |
| hirsutum |                  |           |                |          |
+----------+------------------+-----------+----------------+----------+
| *        | Attenuation by   | CSL Ltd   | Commercial     | Current  |
| *Cholera | removal of       |           | release of     |          |
| v        | cholera toxin    |           | recombinant    |          |
| accine** | subunit A and    |           | live oral      |          |
|          | inclusion of a   |           | cholera        |          |
| Vibrio   | mercury          |           | vaccine        |          |
| cholerae | resistance       |           | (Orochol®      |          |
|          | marker           |           | vaccine)       |          |
+----------+------------------+-----------+----------------+----------+
| **       | herbicide        | Bayer     | Field Trial -  | Current  |
| Canola** | tolerant hybrid  | Cr        | Seed increase  |          |
|          | canola           | opScience | and field      |          |
| Brassica |                  | Pty Ltd   | evaluation of  |          |
| napus    |                  |           | herbicide      |          |
|          |                  |           | tolerant       |          |
|          |                  |           | hybrid canola  |          |
+----------+------------------+-----------+----------------+----------+
| **Grap   | Expression of    | CSIRO     | Field trial of | Current  |
| evines** | modified color,  |           | GM             |          |
|          | sugar            |           | grapevines -   |          |
| Vitis    | composition,     |           | Evaluation of  |          |
| vinifera | flowering and    |           | berry color,   |          |
| L.       | fruit            |           | sugar          |          |
|          | development,     |           | composition,   |          |
|          | expression of    |           | flower and     |          |
|          | green            |           | fruit          |          |
|          | fluorescence     |           | development    |          |
|          | protein,         |           | and gene flow  |          |
|          | antibiotic       |           | study          |          |
|          | resistance       |           |                |          |
+----------+------------------+-----------+----------------+----------+
| **Car    | Modified flower  | Florigene | Ongoing        | Current  |
| nation** | color            | Ltd       | commercial     |          |
|          |                  |           | release of     |          |
| Dianthus |                  |           | color modified |          |
| cary     |                  |           | carnations     |          |
| ophyllus |                  |           |                |          |
+----------+------------------+-----------+----------------+----------+
| **Pin    | Reduction of     | D         | Field trial of | Current  |
| eapple** | blackheart,      | epartment | pineapple      |          |
|          | delayed          | of        | plants         |          |
| Ananas   | flowering,       | Primary   | modified for   |          |
| comosus  | reporter gene    | I         | blackheart     |          |
|          | expression,      | ndustries | reduction and  |          |
|          | antibiotic       |           | to delay       |          |
|          | resistance       |           | flowering      |          |
+----------+------------------+-----------+----------------+----------+
| **Pin    | Delayed          | The       | Field trial of | Current  |
| eapple** | flowering,       | U         | pineapple      |          |
|          | herbicide        | niversity | plants         |          |
| Ananas   | resistance,      | of        | modified to    |          |
| comosus  | reporter gene    | Q         | control        |          |
|          | expression       | ueensland | flowering      |          |
+----------+------------------+-----------+----------------+----------+
| **       | Delayed fruit    | The       | Field trial    | Current  |
| Papaya** | ripening,        | U         | for evaluation |          |
|          | reporter gene    | niversity | of GM papaya   |          |
| Carica   | expression and   | of        | to delay fruit |          |
| papaya   | antibiotic       | Q         | ripening and   |          |
|          | resistance       | ueensland | to test the    |          |
|          |                  |           | expression of  |          |
|          |                  |           | the introduced |          |
|          |                  |           | genes          |          |
+----------+------------------+-----------+----------------+----------+
| **       | Herbicide        | Monsanto  | Commercial     | Current  |
| Cotton** | tolerant,        | Australia | release of     |          |
|          | insecticidal     | Ltd       | herbicide      |          |
| G        | cotton           |           | tolerant       |          |
| ossypium |                  |           | (Roundup       |          |
| hirsutum |                  |           | Ready®) and    |          |
|          |                  |           | herbicide      |          |
|          |                  |           | t              |          |
|          |                  |           | olerant/insect |          |
|          |                  |           | resistant      |          |
|          |                  |           | (Roundup       |          |
|          |                  |           | R              |          |
|          |                  |           | eady®/INGARD®) |          |
|          |                  |           | cotton         |          |
+----------+------------------+-----------+----------------+----------+
| **       | Insecticidal     | Monsanto  | Commercial     | Current  |
| Cotton** | cotton           | Australia | release of     |          |
|          |                  | Ltd       | insecticidal   |          |
| G        |                  |           | (INGARD®)      |          |
| ossypium |                  |           | cotton         |          |
| hirsutum |                  |           |                |          |
+----------+------------------+-----------+----------------+----------+
| **       | Herbicide        | Bayer     | Commercial     | Current  |
| Canola** | tolerance,       | Cr        | release of     |          |
|          | Hybrid Breeding  | opScience | InVigor®       |          |
| Brassica | System           | Pty Ltd   | hybrid canola  |          |
| napus    |                  |           | (Brassica      |          |
|          |                  |           | napus) for use |          |
|          |                  |           | in the         |          |
|          |                  |           | Australian     |          |
|          |                  |           | cropping       |          |
|          |                  |           | system         |          |
+----------+------------------+-----------+----------------+----------+
| **       | Herbicide        | Monsanto  | General        | Current  |
| Canola** | tolerance        | Australia | release of     |          |
|          |                  | Ltd       | Roundup Ready® |          |
| Brassica |                  |           | canola         |          |
| napus    |                  |           | (Brassica      |          |
|          |                  |           | napus) in      |          |
|          |                  |           | Australia      |          |
+----------+------------------+-----------+----------------+----------+
| **Sug    | Green            | Bureau of | Agronomic      | Current  |
| arcane** | fluorescent      | Sugar     | assessment of  |          |
|          | reporter gene    | E         | transgenic     |          |
| S        |                  | xperiment | sugarcane      |          |
| accharum |                  | Stations  | engineered     |          |
| inter    |                  |           | with reporter  |          |
| specific |                  |           | genes          |          |
| hybrid   |                  |           |                |          |
+----------+------------------+-----------+----------------+----------+
| *        | Altered alkaloid | CSIRO     | Field trial of | Post     |
| *Poppy** | production       |           | oilseed poppy  | harvest  |
|          | pathway          |           | in Tasmania to | mo       |
| Papaver  |                  |           | evaluate       | nitoring |
| so       |                  |           | alkaloid       |          |
| mniferum |                  |           | production     |          |
+----------+------------------+-----------+----------------+----------+
| **       | Insect           | CSIRO     | Field trials   | Post     |
| Cotton** | resistance       |           | of insect      | harvest  |
|          |                  |           | resistant      | mo       |
| G        |                  |           | cotton         | nitoring |
| ossypium |                  |           |                |          |
| hirsutum |                  |           |                |          |
+----------+------------------+-----------+----------------+----------+
| **       | Insect           | Monsanto  | Commercial     | Curr     |
| Cotton** | resistance and   | Australia | release of     | ent/Post |
|          | herbicide        | Ltd       | BollgardII and | harvest  |
| G        | tolerance        |           | Boll           | mo       |
| ossypium |                  |           | gardII/Roundup | nitoring |
| hirsutum |                  |           | Ready® cotton  |          |
+----------+------------------+-----------+----------------+----------+
| **       | Hybrid breeding  | Aventis   | Small and      | Curr     |
| Canola** | system and       | Cr        | large scale    | ent/Post |
|          | herbicide        | opScience | trialing of    | harvest  |
| Brassica | tolerance        | Pty Ltd   | InVigor®       | mo       |
| napus    |                  |           | canola         | nitoring |
|          |                  |           | (*Brassica     |          |
|          |                  |           | napus*) for    |          |
|          |                  |           | development    |          |
|          |                  |           | for the        |          |
|          |                  |           | Australian     |          |
|          |                  |           | cropping       |          |
|          |                  |           | system         |          |
+----------+------------------+-----------+----------------+----------+
| **       | Insect           | D         | Preliminary    | Post     |
| Cotton** | resistance       | epartment | field          | harvest  |
|          |                  | of        | evaluation of  | mo       |
| G        |                  | Ag        | Bollgard II®   | nitoring |
| ossypium |                  | riculture | cotton in the  |          |
| hirsutum |                  | (WA)      | Kimberley      |          |
|          |                  |           | region of WA   |          |
+----------+------------------+-----------+----------------+----------+
| **       | Insect           | D         | Integrated     | Post     |
| Cotton** | resistance       | epartment | pest           | harvest  |
|          |                  | of        | management     | mo       |
| G        |                  | Ag        | systems for    | nitoring |
| ossypium |                  | riculture | INGARD® cotton |          |
| hirsutum |                  | (WA)      |                |          |
+----------+------------------+-----------+----------------+----------+

# Appendix III: Approved GM Food Products

The following table contains a current list of approved biotech food
products. Detailed information is contained in [Standard
1.5.2](http://www.foodstandards.gov.au/foodstandardscode/index.cfm#_FSCchapter1)
on the FSANZ web site.

  ------------------------------------------- ---------------------------
  **Food produced using gene technology**     **Special conditions**

  Food derived from glufosinate               
  ammonium-tolerant corn line T25             

  Food derived from glufosinate ammonium      
  tolerant cotton line LL25                   

  Food derived from glufosinate ammonium      
  tolerant soybean lines A2704-12 and         
  A5547-127                                   

  Food derived from glyphosate-tolerant corn  
  line GA21                                   

  Food derived from glyphosate-tolerant corn  
  line NK603                                  

  Food derived from glyphosate-tolerant       
  cotton line MON 88913                       

  Food derived from glyphosate-tolerant       
  soybean line 40-3-2                         

  Food derived from glyphosate-tolerant       
  sugarbeet line 77                           

  Food derived from high oleic acid soybean   The label on or attached to
  lines G94-1, G94-19 and G168                a package of a food derived
                                              from high oleic acid soy
                                              bean lines G94-1, G94-19
                                              and G168 must include a
                                              statement to the effect
                                              that the food has been
                                              genetically modified to
                                              contain high levels of
                                              oleic acid

  Food derived from insect- and potato        
  leafroll virus-protected potato lines       
  RBMT21-129, RBMT21-350, and RBMT22-82.      

  Food derived from insect- and potato virus  
  Y-protected potato lines RBMT15-101,        
  SEM15-02 and SEM15-15.                      

  Food derived from insect-protected and      
  glufosinate-ammonium tolerant corn line     
  1507                                        

  Food derived from insect-protected and      
  glufosinate ammonium-tolerant DBT418 corn   

  Food derived from insect-protected Bt-176   
  corn.                                       

  Food derived from insect-protected corn     
  event MON863                                

  Food derived from insect-protected corn     
  line MON 810                                

  Food derived from insect-protected,         
  glufosinate ammonium-tolerant Bt-11 corn.   

  Food derived from insect-protected,         
  glufosinate ammonium-tolerant corn line     
  DAS-59122-7                                 

  Food derived from insect-protected potato   
  lines BT-06, ATBT04-06, ATBT04-31,          
  ATBT04-36, and SPBT02-05                    

  Food derived from sugar beet line H7-1      

  Oil and linters derived from                
  bromoxynil-tolerant cotton containing       
  transformation events 10211 and 10222       

  Oil and linters derived from                
  glyphosate-tolerant cotton line 1445        

  Oil and linters derived from                
  insect-protected cotton line COT102         

  Oil and linters derived from                
  insect-protected cotton lines containing    
  event 15985                                 

  Oil and linters derived from                
  insect-protected cotton lines 531, 757 and  
  1076                                        

  Oil and linters derived from                
  insect-protected, glufosinate               
  ammonium-tolerant cotton line MXB-13        

  Oil derived from bromoxynil-tolerant canola 
  line Westar-Oxy-235                         

  Oil derived from glufosinate-ammonium       
  tolerant canola lines Topas 19/2 and T45    
  and glufosinate-ammonium tolerant and       
  pollination controlled canola lines Ms1,    
  Ms8, Rf1, Rf2 and Rf3                       

  Oil derived from glyphosate-tolerant canola 
  line GT73                                   
  ------------------------------------------- ---------------------------

# Recent Reports from FAS/Canberra

The reports listed below can all be downloaded from the FAS website at:
<http://www.fas.usda.gov/scriptsw/AttacheRep/default.asp>.

  ---------- --------------------------------------------------- ----------
  **Report   **Title of Report**                                 **Date**
  Number**                                                       

  6001       Fresh Deciduous Fruit Annual                        12/28/05

  6002       Ag DownUnder, Vol. 1                                01/13/06

  6003       Health Claims & Sugar Content of Fresh Fruit        01/24/06

  6004       Livestock Semi Annual                               02/08/06

  6005       Fine Food 2006 Trade Show -- Australia              01/27/06

  6006       Ag DownUnder Vol. 2                                 01/27/06

  6007       Comment Period for Proposed Health Claims Standard  02/06/06
             Extended                                            

  6008       Tree Nuts Annual                                    02/09/06

  6009       Ag DownUnder Vol. 3                                 02/15/06

  6010       Cotton Quarterly Update                             02/24/06

  6011       Comment Sought on Feasibility of Extending Country  02/28/06
             of Origin Labeling                                  

  6012       Biosecurity Australia Begins Assessment of U.S.     03/08/06
             Stone Fruit for Import                              

  6013       The Corish Report: "Creating Our Future: Ag & Food  03/08/06
             Policy for the Next Generation"                     

  6014       New Guide Available for Country of Origin Labeling  03/09/06

  6015       AgDownunder Vol. 4                                  03/10/06

  6016       Cyclone Larry Affects Sugar Industry                03/21/06

  6017       Grain Annual                                        03/21/06

  6018       Fortification of Cereal-Based Beverages             03/22/06

  6019       Ag Down Under Vol 5                                 03/24/06

  6020       Stone Fruit Annual                                  04/03/06

  6022       Grains Week Features 'Discussion Paper' Proposing   04/12/06
             Radical Changes to Single Desk                      

  6023       Sugar Annual                                        04/13/06

  6024       Ag Down Under Vol 6                                 04/21/06

  6025       Grain Quarterly Lockup                              05/01/06

  6026       Ag Down Under Vol 7                                 05/09/06

  6027       Cotton & Products Annual                            05/15/06

  6028       Justification for Requirement for Wood Packaging    05/15/06
             Material to be Bark Free                            

  6030       Review of Permitted Seeds List for Australia        05/19/06

  6031       Ag Down Under Vol 8                                 05/19/06

  6032       Dairy Semi Annual                                   05/30/06

  6033       Wheat Australia sells 350,000 MT to Iraq            05/31/06

  6034       Ag Down Under Vol. 9                                06/02/06

  6035       Australia Actively Pursuing FTAs                    06/07/06

  6036       Wine Annual                                         06/08/06

  6037       Sugar Smut Outbreak in Queensland                   06/20/06

  6038       Ag DownUnder Vol. 10                                06/23/06

  6039       Agricultural Biotechnology Annual                   06/28/06

  6040       Worst Frost in 20 Years Affects Australian Citrus   06/27/06
             Production                                          
  ---------- --------------------------------------------------- ----------