As of January 1 of this year China is reducing the amount of foreign material they will allow in shipments of grain from the United States, including beans. USDA Undersecretary Greg Ibach says they’re currently working to help the grain industry meet this new phytosanitary import requirement from the Chinese. He says China had been accepting FM of 2-percent in grain, but over a year ago tightened that standard and are now ratcheting up enforcement.
He says USDA’s plan includes educating farmers about how to deliver clean grain to the elevator.
However, Ibach says they’re also working with the entire supply chain as other foreign material like gravel can be added along the way and grain above tolerances could be held back for testing.
Ibach says once they have established the FM levels for China, it will also enhance trade with other countries. He doesn’t think China’s move to require the 1-percent tolerance on foreign material in grain is any sign of trade retaliation.
