Introduction
Using funds
provided through the Technical Assistance for Specialty Crops (TASC) Program,
CropLife America and AgriChem Data Service worked with FAS to develop databases that would aid U.S.
growers and exporters in the identification of MRL tolerances for specialty
crops they wish to export. The two databases outlined are the first coordinated
source of information relating to MRL tolerances. Both were designed to compare
MRL tolerances in the U.S. with those in other countries enabling producers and
exporters to take appropriate measures to ensure the entry of their products in
overseas markets.
The International Maximum
Residue Limit Database provides users with a list of MRL tolerances by
active ingredient to desired export destinations.
Users may query by crop, pesticide active ingredient and pesticide type.
The
database allows exporters to select markets to compare foreign tolerances to
U.S. limit, searching by crop or by chemical. The database does not include
processed food products. Over 300 fruit, vegetable and nut commodities are covered, as are 272
pesticides approved by the EPA for use on those commodities in the U.S.
The database was expanded in 2008 to include
426 pesticide and veterinary
drug residue tolerances in major export markets for hay, feed, grains, oilseeds,
poultry, eggs, meat and dairy.
MRL data
are included from 70 countries, the European Union and the Codex Alimentarius
Commission (Codex). Each country
included in the database represents, at a
minimum, $1 million in annual export revenue for U.S. horticultural commodities.
This database is especially useful for growers, exporters, chemical
manufacturers, and regulators as an aid for
determining the MRLs of US
trading partners.
Search International Maximum Residue Limit Database
The
International Pesticide & Application Database (IPAD) helps
users determine rates and limitations on the usage of agricultural pesticides.
IPAD is a crop specific database that cross references pesticides by
chemical brand name, method of application, rates and frequency of application,
as well as pre- and post-harvest interval.
The database contains information for the U.S., Mexico, and Canada, 42
crops, 1400 active ingredients, 29 pesticide types, and 14 different timings
resulting in nearly 24 million combinations.
This IPAD system provides chemical use practices in order to ensure compliance with a
target country’s MRL standards and provides practical guidance to maximize the
benefit to the U.S. producer.
Disclaimer: As
a public service FAS has provided links to transfer users from this Web site to
a site that has information they may find helpful. USDA-FAS makes no
representations, guarantees, or warranties as to the accuracy or completeness of
information on the accessed Web site. We do not endorse any products, services
or views that may be referenced on the sites.