NAEGA is working with urgency in response to Vietnam PPD’s actions regarding the presence of Cirsium arvense (common names include creeping thistle and Canada  thistle in shipments of grain.  The NAEGA Grades and Inspection Committee has begun work with NAEGA on advise to be conveyed to both the U.S. and Vietnamese governments.  We see Cirsium arvense issue as one of global concern and have included coordination with international colleagues. We are completing extensive research on the agronomy, distribution and approaches to managing Cirsium arvense seeds in commodity shipments    

 Please help and contact us immediately if you have related information or questions. 

 USDA is planning for a bi-lateral meeting in Hanoi with relevant Vietnamese officials on January 23, 2019. Over the past few days, Gary represented NAEGA in meetings at USDA.  One hosted Under Secretary of Agriculture for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Ted Mckinney at our request and one USDA Undersecretary for Market and Regulatory Affairs Greg Ibach.  In both cases NAEGA advise was requested.