Australian OGTR Receives License Application for Commercial Release of Insect Resistant Cotton
August 26, 2026
Australia's Office of the Gene Technology Regulator (OGTR) has received a license application (DIR 228) from Bayer CropScience Pty Ltd seeking approval for the commercial release of MON 15985 x COT102, a cotton variety genetically modified (GM) for insect resistance. If approved, the GM cotton and its derived products would be permitted for commercial cultivation and integration into supply chains across Australia.
The evaluation process involves the preparation of a comprehensive Risk Assessment and Risk Management Plan (RARMP) by the Gene Technology Regulator. As part of the statutory assessment under the Gene Technology Act 2000, public and stakeholder consultations will be held, providing experts, government agencies, and the public an opportunity to submit comments and advice before a final decision is reached.
The proposed commercial release would allow the GM cotton line to be grown in all Australian cotton-growing regions, with products entering general commerce, including potential use in human food and animal feed subject to applicable regulatory approvals.
For more details, visit the DIR 228 page on the OGTR website.
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