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Office of the Gene Technology Regulator October 2015 Questions & Answers on licence DIR 134 – Commercial import and distribution of genetically modified carnations What does this licence allow? International Flower Developments Pty Ltd (IDF) has received approval to import into Australia three varieties of genetically modified (GM) carnation cut-flowers with altered flower colour: Florigene® MoonaquaTM, Florigene® MoonberryTM and Florigene® MoonvelvetTM. The GM carnation cut-flowers would be imported in the same way as other GM and non-GM carnations to be sold for ornamental purposes. The licence does not permit growing the GM carnations in Australia. How have the GM carnations been modified? The GM carnations have been genetically modified to produce mauve, purple or violet coloured flowers. Petunia, pansy and carnation genes have been introduced into the GM carnations which lead to the expression of natural pigments not normally present in carnations. In addition, the GM carnations contain an herbicide tolerance gene from tobacco plants to enable selection of GM plants in the laboratory. How are the GM carnations different from existing commercial GM carnations? Similar GM carnation lines with blue flower colour were authorised for growing in Australia in 1995. In 2007, these GM carnations were placed on the GMO Register due to the minimal risk to people and the environment. Florigene® MoonaquaTM was modified with the same genes as the already approved GM carnation lines; Florigene® MoonberryTM and Florigene® MoonvelvetTM contain genes and/or partial genes to further enhance the blue flower colour. Are the GM carnation cut-flowers safe for people and the environment? The risk from the commercial import and distribution of these GM carnation cut flowers was assessed and found to be negligible. Similar carnations have been grown and sold in Australia since 1995. These GM carnations have been approved in a number of overseas countries. No adverse effects on human health and safety or the environment have been reported either in Australia or from extensive cultivation and distribution overseas. Want more information? A number of documents relating to this decision are available on the DIR 134 page of the OGTR website or via Freecall 1800 181 030. These documents include the finalised Risk Assessment and Risk Management Plan (RARMP), a summary of the RARMP and the licence. The Office of the Gene Technology Regulator, MDP 54, GPO Box 9848, Canberra, ACT, 2601 Telephone: 1800 181 030 Facsimile: 02 6271 4202 Email: [email protected] OGTR website http://www.ogtr.gov.au/