VIETNAM Report Looks at Challenges with MRLs

A report commissioned by USDBC looks at the critical challenge we are facing in the coming year and beyond as many of our most important trade partners look to impose restrictive policies on the import of crop protection products such as pesticides and herbicides. This initial report focused on Vietnam and presents recommendations that apply to many other export markets. While at this time, these restrictions apply mostly to the import of the product itself, such as glyphosate, or the use of that product for domestic agricultural production, we are beginning to see that spillover and threaten the import of agricultural products as well. Many of our trade partners are beginning to veer away from the tolerances (MRLs) established in Codex and are looking to apply zero or very low tolerances for different products, that we may not be able to meet. This could result in a massive disruption to global trade and to our ability to export to many markets. As a result this issue will be a critical area of focus and expanded research in 2021.

While still a relatively small export market for U.S. dry beans, Vietnam is important as it is a strong target market that holds great interest and potential for export growth. It is also a market that has been heavily influenced by EU trade standards, and consumer advocacy groups. EU standards are increasingly restrictive as they look to export the Farm to Fork policy with regards to pesticides and herbicide tolerances. Consumer advocacy groups and NGOs do not include the agricultural sector and rarely make recommendations based on sound science. There is a clear need for greater U.S. agricultural private and public sector involvement in this debate as we move forward to ensure adherence to sound science with regards to MRL development. This is the first step in our work and we intend to expand in 2021. The full report will be posted on our members-only webpage.

Example of an English language ad published by consumer groups in Vietnam.