The U.S. Department of Agriculture Foreign Agricultural Service (USDA/FAS) launched a new resource to support American farmers’ access to international trade opportunities. Maximum Residue Limit Quick Reference Sheets provide information about pesticide residue requirements in major export markets for U.S. producers and shippers of fruits, vegetables and other horticultural crops.
USDA FAS developed the MRL Quick Reference Sheets in partnership with Bryant Christie Inc. USDA FAS will update these sheets every six months and will cover 60 different specialty crop commodities. MRL Quick Reference Sheets are free, easily accessible and downloadable for American farmers and businesses.
See the MRL Quick Reference Sheets for Sweet Oranges, Mandarins, Lemons and Grapefruit.
MRLs are non-harmful amounts of residues of inputs, such as pesticides, which may remain on or in a food product when a pesticide is used according to label directions. MRLs vary by country and can be complex to track. USDA FAS offers a number of programs and resources to support U.S. exporters with this issue, including engagement with foreign governments to resolve MRL trade barriers.
Through the Assisting Specialty Crop Exports (ASCE) initiative, USDA is developing resources to help American produce and nut exporters understand and meet foreign regulatory requirements to access new export market opportunities, as well as address trade barriers in foreign markets. The ASCE initiative is an innovative partnership between USDA and the specialty crops sector to break down non-tariff trade barriers that hinder U.S. exports of fruits and vegetables, tree nuts, horticultural crops and other products. ASCE aims to open new international markets and solidify existing ones, ensuring that U.S. exports compete on a fair and level playing field.
More information about ASCE is available here.
Source: USDA/FAS
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