On July 11 NAEGA President and CEO Gary Martin met with members of the Japanese grain and oilseed industry at the U.S. Grains Council to discuss U.S. corn quality issues. During the meeting the Japanese Feed Trade Association (JFTA), the U.S. Grains Council and Japanese grain and oilseed importing companies presented on corn quality issues effecting shipments to the Japanese market. JFTA and its members have been pleased with the consistent improvement in the quality of U.S. corn. However, lower protein levels and higher moisture levels in U.S. corn remain a concern. Protein level standards and labelling are required by Japanese law, and lower protein experienced in some recent shipments of U.S. corn levels could result in higher prices or compliance issues. In addition, Japanese industry is also concerned about the presence of “blue-eye mold” and foreign materials in corn shipments.
Since quality reports at load and at FGIS inspection have been different that at delivery, JFTA is keen to develop data useful for comparing the different sampling and analytical methods and explaining the differences. As a result, JFTA, would like to receive additional information on corn shipments including protein and moisture levels and mycotoxin presence. To harmonize testing measures, JFTA is proposing corn quality assessment project similar to the “2010 Korea-U.S. Corn Quality Assessment Project” in cooperation with NAEGA, Grain Council and FGIS.
In response to this proposal, NAEGA is seeking member input on conducting a corn quality assessment project similar to the 2010 Korea-U.S. assessment conducted by NAEGA in coordination with FGIS and the Korea Feed Association (KFA). Please contact Gary or Ryan with your input and comments.
