Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/298602
46 MAY 1, 2014 GOOD FRUIT GROWER www.goodfruit.com International standards The Codex Committee on Pesticide Residues, an inter- national standards setting body, is seeking ways to accel- erate its response cycle in setting new MRLs that provide a benchmark that countries with limited regulatory infra- structures can adopt as a standard. Fewer residue trials for specialty crops and a new way of making compari- sons among residue trials are being employed to stream- line the Codex MRL establishment process. However, Codex remains somewhat cumbersome because mem- ber nations that do the work for Codex's Joint Meeting on Pesticide Residues have limited resources and some countries' representatives are resistant to initiatives designed to speed MRL establishment. Also, it is a large international regulatory body with inherent inertia. Around the world, the processes used to set MRLs are continually evolving and at times becoming more restric- tive. The European Union continues to institute stricter criteria to register crop protection chemicals. European retailers have joined the fray in creating additional bar- riers to trade by establishing secondary standards for their suppliers that are even more restrictive than EU regulations. Recently, a number of Asian countries have decided to set their own "positive MRL list," meaning a list set specifically by the government of that country (as opposed to deferring to standards set by outside entities), which may or may not include the most important crop protection chemicals used in Pacific Northwest orchards. For example, in the next two years, we will see Hong Kong and South Korea establish their own positive lists. We are concerned that the outcome of the Korean effort may be challenging. Information is critical Comprehensive, up-to-date information on foreign market MRLs is critical to avoiding trade problems. Credit should be given to the efforts of Pacific North- west growers, packers, shippers, and marketers who have done a remarkable job in meeting MRL standards around the world. These efforts have been aided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Foreign Agricultural Service and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Both these organizations have placed a high priority on making foreign MRL requirements available to export- ing industries (www.mrldatabase.com). The Northwest Horticultural Council makes this and other information available at www.nwhort.org. For our industry's top markets, our information is updated continuously on a market-by-market basis and fully reviewed two to three times each year. The Minor Crop Farmer Alliance, an alliance of over 30 specialty crop producer organizations, plays a key role in helping to make comprehensive MRL informa- tion available. It works closely with the FAS and EPA to support growers' MRL needs; and directly engages for- eign governments on MRLs and trade issues. Northwest Horticultural Council staff play key roles in the work of the alliance. • There are many good reasons for growers to use NU FILM 17 ® NU FILM 17 has been used as a sticker- spreader on apples and tree fruits for over 35 years. During this period, it has demonstrated one very important thing… NU FILM 17 ® Is Consistent & Reliable In Its Performance NU FILM 17 is the best value insurance you can buy to protect expensive pesticides and help them perform properly under various weather conditions. Since it is gentle to the crop, NU FILM 17 has not caused russet or other problems. Others may say they have similar products, but put your trust in those company consultants that recommend NU FILM 17. They are watching out for your bottom line. For additional information or for the phone number of your local Miller representative, call: 800-233-2040 Miller Chemical & Fertilizer Corp. Hanover, PA 17331 ALWAYS READ AND FOLLOW LABEL INSTRUCTIONS NU FILM 17 ® 360.333.4044 Casey Schoenberger Mount Vernon, WA Dramm Corporation Manitowoc, WI • U.S.A. www.FishFertilizer.com Extremely high levels of available Calcium & Phosphorus Natural Fish Fertilizers for Organic & Sustainable Crop Production BERRIES VINEYARDS ORCHARDS How MRLs are set This is the process used in the United States for setting a tolerance (maximum residue level) for chronic exposure to a pesticide. SOURCE: Bayer CropScience LOAEL NOAEL ADI MRL LOAEL: Lowest Observable Adverse Effect Level. (Similar to NOAEL, but where an IJJIGXMWWIIR-JWMKRM½GERXP]I\GIIHIHGSYPH be human health concern. ADI: Acceptable Daily Intake. (Residue in food which can be ingested HEMP]SZIVEPMJIXMQI[MXLSYX appreciable health risk) Not legal for trade but safe for human health. Actual residues are well below the MRL. A factor of at least 100 is applied between the NOAEL and ADI. NOAEL: No Observable Adverse Effect Level. (Highest concentration that causes no detectable adverse effect on lifespan) If exceeded, there QE]FIELYQER health concern. MRL: Maximum Residue Level. Level legally permitted in or on food commodities. Legal for trade and safe human health.