NAEGA is now advising the U.S. Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) regarding the detection of weed seeds and bacteria in shipments of soybeans and soybean products to Pakistan. Over the last couple of weeks APHIS has been in contact with the Pakistan Department of Plant Protection (DPP) regarding the detection of cockle bur (Xanthium sp.) and Stewarts Wilt in shipments of soybeans and DDGs. As a result, PPD had initially requested that shipments of U.S. origin soybeans and soybean meal be treated with methyl bromide fumigation to devitalize cockle bur seeds. In more recent discussions, during which APHIS educated PPD on manufacturing and end use processes for DDGs and soybeans, PPD has shown increased flexibility regarding methyl bromide fumigation. As of this week, APHIS is continuing to dialogue with PPD regarding shipments of this kind, and PPD looks willing to avoid trade disruptions. In addition, PPD is interested in traveling to the U.S. to conduct a pest risk analysis.

APHIS is requesting from industry additional information on the end use of soybean and SBM shipments to Pakistan. If you have any information you would like to share with PPD, please contact Ryan.

A copy of APHIS meeting notes from calls with PPD can be found here.