USDA Endorses Resolution on Need for Global Science-Based Ag Trade Regulations

U.S. agriculture official Ted McKinney said pesticide maximum residue levels (MRLs) are too often used as trade barriers and praised an endorsement by the Inter-American Board of Agriculture that emphasized the need for global science-based agricultural regulations.

The IABA’s resolution, released Oct. 31, addressed the importance of phytosanitary measures within the World Trade Organization and stressed “transparency and predictability in the establishment and adoption of national MRLs.”

In a Nov. 5 statement, McKinney, undersecretary for trade and foreign agricultural affairs, said he is “pleased that we’ve come together as neighbors across the hemisphere in support of this resolution,” and said the U.S. will also endorse the resolution.

“Missing and misaligned pesticide MRLs can harm farmer livelihoods, contribute to food waste, and decrease food security,” McKinney said. “On the other hand, transparent and predictable establishment and adoption of MRLs helps farmers access the full range of tools and technologies they need to combat pests and allows them to engage in international trade.” McKinney said the U.S. is committed to reducing the impacts “of non-tariff barriers on trade, with particular emphasis on the agricultural exports of developing countries.”