ASTA delegation discusses import regulation in Brazil
Of the new phytosanitary requirements for pests outlined in NI-16, at least 12 do not appear to be technically justified and the group is recommending they be removed from the list. In addition, the new provisions for importing small seed quantities under NI-52 will make it difficult to get this seed into the country and cleared through quarantine in time to meet critical planting windows to support breeding efforts. NI-4 also lists two corn seed pests which may no longer be technically justified. Alternative scenarios were jointly explored, leaving the door open for future discussions and possible pilot projects.
In addition to concerns with new phytosanitary import regulations, the group discussed several APHIS initiatives that are being developed in close partnership with ASTA and its members. These meetings were timely as a technical bilateral meeting between APHIS and the Brazilian authorities is scheduled for the end of March where final decisions on these and other seed issues will hopefully be made.
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