The Crush - March 2020 - 2

[ FEATURE STORY ]
EXPORT REGULATIONS, DATABASES
James Christie, of Bryant Christie Inc. (BCI), said attention is
increasing about MRL issues and there is a growing emphasis on
food safety worldwide. Founded in 1992, BCI is headquartered in
Sacramento and assists companies and trade associations to open
and access international markets with a focus on the agriculture,
food and beverage sectors.
Citing positive news based on his research, Christie said, "I
could not find an instance of an MRL violation for wine, but
that doesn't mean we shouldn't be prudent in our management
practices." A major challenge is the lack of international
harmonization on MRL standards. Although the organization
Codex Alimentarius, under the Food and Agriculture
Organization of the United Nations, has international and U.S.
representatives and has established MRLs for pesticide residues
in specific foods, over the past 20 years, an increasing number of
countries have devised their own national MRLs.
BCI maintains the world's largest pesticide residue database that
includes MRL standards covering more than 1,000 pesticides
and 875+ commodities in more than 125 global markets.
The company offers a free basic subscription to this Global
Pesticide MRL Database, as well as paid subscriptions for
more comprehensive services and accounts. Also offered is the
"Global MRL News," a weekly summary update through email
subscription. More information, databases and subscriptions are
available at www.bryantchristie.com ▼

Christie said the European Union (EU) is probably the most
critical export market for U.S. wine producers, and the most
restrictive market, in relation to MRLs. He also noted some
groups have created private sector residue standards that have
nothing to do with safety, but are related to marketing and
product labeling. For example, a France-based association,
Nouveaux Champs, has developed a Zero Pesticide Residue
endorsement and labeling program that will be used to market

2 / MARCH 2020

wine to European consumers who have an interest in natural and
organic wines.
Christie listed several MRL challenges for the wine industry.
Winegrape production has a wide range of pest and disease
challenges, and potentially a wide range of pesticides subject to
MRL regulations. Winegrapes are grown in many regions and
wine is often produced and blended from grapes from multiple
sources, so the wine's residue level will be influenced by the
lowest common denominator. With many potential markets, it
requires the final product be made to the requirements of the
most restrictive market - often the EU.
Christie listed other export markets with MRL standards, or
proposed standards, to be aware of and to monitor: South Korea,
China, Japan, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Canada and Australia. "Be
hands-on and be educated," Christie said. "Know what's in
your end product. Do testing and determine a baseline for your
residue levels."
CHALLENGES AND ISSUES
Brian Leahy, director of DPR from 2012 to 2019 and now a
consultant, has experience with pest management and pesticide
issues from a range of perspectives - as an organic rice farmer,
as a trade association manager with California Certified Organic
Farmers, and as a regulator. "Pest management is essential to
human health and the environment," he said.
Leahy said DPR is a science-based agency, with some of the
best scientists in state government, that provides enforcement
and education on pesticide use and issues. "If you follow the
chemical label and existing rules you should be okay." He
believes the current system is working, and could use some
improvement, but it is under attack from groups who profit
from fear, such as lawyers and some environmentalists. He
advised everyone in agriculture to spend more time talking with
legislators, leaders and the media about pest management needs
to provide adequate and safe food supplies.
Citing challenges, Leahy said ag practices that result in
monoculture production can create more pest pressure. He said
analytical testing equipment is getting better. Residues and
levels that weren't previously found are now being detected
due to the sensitivity of test equipment, which can add to
regulatory pressure and consumer concerns. He suggested
growers participate in programs such as Spray Safe, and adopt
new application technologies that prevent spray drift. "We
need society to understand that we're all in pest management
together," Leahy said. "We can't just keep taking chemicals away.
You can be safe using these tools, but you also must remember
that they are powerful."
http://www.bryantchristie.com
The Crush - March 2020

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