GRAINGROWERS Limited says if you ever want to see the chaos caused by the smallest of numbers, consider the impact of maximum residue limits (MRL) for agricultural chemicals.
The peak farming body says with differing regulatory frameworks and approaches to risk assessment across the global trading environment, the failure to ‘get it right’ has serious consequences for ongoing trade.
Its chief executive Shona Gawel says to ensure the safety of people and the environment, all agricultural chemicals registered for use in Australia are independently and scientifically assessed by the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicine Authority (APVMA).
Ms Gawel said APVMA established a MRL for every agricultural chemical, setting the highest level of chemical residue legally allowed in food products produced in Australia.
She said MRLs were set at levels unlikely to pose a risk to human health and not likely to be exceeded when the chemical was used in accordance with label directions.
“It is important to note MRLs can vary between different markets due to different regulatory frameworks and risk assessments,” Ms Gawel said.
“Australia’s approach is based on a comprehensive risk assessment which considers exposure, scientific studies, data, and proposed usage.
“In contrast, the European Union (EU) employs a hazard-based approach, focusing on intrinsic properties of substances.”
In international markets, ensuring compliance with varying MRLs is crucial.
For instance, when exporting grain it’s imperative to adhere to the regulated MRLs and customer contract specifications, which might differ from Australia’s standards.
In some instances, even the proper application of chemicals in accordance with Australian label directions can result in grain residues that fail to meet the requirements of stringent export markets.
The reduction of the haloxyfop MRL in the EU announced earlier this year is an example of why Australia needs to be proactive in understanding changes to MRLs in markets and the increasing sensitivity of markets to chemical residues.
In 2021-22, Australia’s national residue survey (NRS) program showed:
* 832 samples from domestic supply (99.4 per cent compliance)
* 1580 samples from export containers (98.9 per cent compliance)
* 4156 grain samples from bulk exports (a 99.9 per cent compliance rate).
Residues in domestic and export grain shipments are monitored by marketers and/or the NRS.
The NRS program covers a range of domestic and export commodities, including grain, and is funded by a levy.
Ms Gawel said the NRS program facilitated and encouraged ongoing access to markets by verifying good practice and alignment with chemical control of-use legislation and guidelines.
The NRS program includes 23 grain commodities.
Sampling is developed in consultation with the industries involved and takes into account importing country requirements.
The high degree of compliance helps to maintain the reputation of Australian grain.
