Grains Australia participated in the Australian Delegation to the 57th session of the Codex Committee on Pesticide Residues (CCPR57) in Beijing.
The committee aims to reach agreement between governments on maximum residue limits (MRLs) for pesticides in food and feed. Many of Australia’s grain customers apply these limits directly or use them to set their own, so what is agreed at Codex can affect market access for Australian grains.
Optimising market access for Australian grains is a key strategic goal for Grains Australia. Our role in the Codex session is to keep track of potential changes that may affect Australian grain exports and ensure the Australian grains perspective is represented while decisions are being made.
Codex is a joint Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Health Organization (WHO) food standards program and a key multilateral forum for global trade and human health. The committee is made up of national delegations alongside industry representatives and non-government organisations. Typically, between 40 and 60 member countries send delegations.
Why are maximum residue limits (MRLs) important?
- MRLs define permissible levels of chemical residues in imported food and agricultural products.
- MRLs are a key focus for Australia’s grain customers.
- Grains Australia research found that Australia’s high standards and compliance with import requirements, including MRLs, deliver growers a 19% quality premium, nearly double the global average.
- Protecting grain quality and market access maintains Australia’s competitive advantage, supporting grain prices and farmgate profitability.
