Grapegrower and Winemaker: Synthetic Biology – regulatory frameworks

Image: Australian and New Zealand Winemaker and Grapegrower April 2023

This is the second in a series of four articles for Australian and New Zealand Grapegrower and Winemaker magazine. After looking at the definition of Synthetic Biology, I turn to the regulatory framework governing biotechnology application in Australia and in the EU. I also consider the lessons learned from Australia Organic Limited in their bid to improve regulation of organic production in Australia, and how this might apply to the regulation of Synthetic Biology.

Recent years in Australia have seen all mainland states revise their position regarding the use of GMOs with respect to agriculture, from eschewing application to regulating its application through the Office of the Gene Technology Regulator (OGTR). The change in position has impacted a number of wine producers, despite no change to the wine industry position that Synthetic Biology techniques, which includes GMOs, may not be used in the production of wine. The situation in Australia reflects a global trend of legislative and regulatory review with respect to biotechnology and food production. To read more, click here.