Vietnam Methyl Bromide Fumigation

The U.S. Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service has announced that, beginning immediately, Vietnam’s Plant Protection Department (PPD) will require methyl bromide fumigation for all shipments of wheat, corn and DDGs to Vietnam. In addition, efforts led by APHIS, NAEGA and industry stakeholders to prevent a pending suspension has stalled, and PPD continues to indicate that it will suspend imports of DDGs with a bills of lading dates December 17, 2016 and later. November 25, 2016 APHIS formally requested a meeting with PPD, and they replied that the second week in January was the earliest they could meet to discuss these topics.  In the interim, APHIS requested in December 1, 2016 letter that Vietnam withdraw its methyl bromide requirement and pending suspension of DDGs.  The letter describes the results of APHIS investigation in response to PPD reports of live pest detections.  It also recommends remedial action alternatives to methyl bromide and DDG suspension, to take place upon Vietnam’s acceptance.

A copy of the letter from APHIS to PPD can be found here. For more information please contact Gary or Ryan.

IGTC Secretariat in Arlington

Katy Lee, Acting Secretariat of the International Grain Trade Coalition (IGTC) visited NAEGA headquarters in Arlington, VA last week on her way to Cancun for COP/MOP 8. While in Arlington, Katy met with NAEGA staff to discuss ongoing operational issues, including implementation of the IGTC’s new business plan. In addition, Katy conducted an IGTC stakeholder briefing for Washington, D.C. based IGTC members, corporate stakeholders and governments. A copy of Katy’s trip report will be available soon.

IGTC Stakeholder Meeting

On Friday, December 2, Acting IGTC Secretariat Katy Lee joined NAEGA in their Arlington offices for an IGTC Stakeholder Briefing. Katy presented on recent developments in the IGTC the IGTC policy files, discussed the new IGTC Value Proposition and highlighted changes that will occur to IGTC structure and administration now that the new business plan is in place. Highlights of Katy’s presentation included the addition of IGTC’s newest member, the South African Cereals and oilseeds Trade Association (SACOTA), an IGTC event with the WTO in Geneva and the IGTC President’s participation in the World Grain Forum in Russia in November.

Katy’s full presentation is available here and you can access the IGTC Value Proposion here. All NAEGA members are considered corporate stakeholders in the IGTC. If you are interested in learning more or getting involved in IGTC policy files, please contact Katy Lee at secretariat@igtcglobal.org.