USDA FAS launches pesticide residue tool for produce exporters

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Foreign Agricultural Service has launched a new resource to support American farmers’ access to international trade opportunities.

Maximum Residue Limit Quick Reference Sheets provide information about pesticide residue requirements in major export markets for U.S. producers and shippers of fruit, vegetables, nuts, pulses and other horticultural crops.

FAS developed the MRL Quick Reference Sheets in partnership with Bryant Christie Inc. FAS will update these sheets every six months and will cover 60 different specialty crop commodities. MRL Quick Reference Sheets are free, easily accessible and downloadable for American farmers and businesses.

Through the Assisting Specialty Crop Exports Initiative, USDA is developing resources to help American produce and nut exporters understand and meet foreign regulatory requirements to access new export market opportunities, as well as address trade barriers in foreign markets.  

Pesticide maximum residue limits (MRLs), also referred to as “pesticide tolerances”, are set by governments and are non-harmful amounts of pesticide residues that may remain on or in a food product when a pesticide is used according to label directions. MRLs vary by country and can be complex to track.

FAS offers a number of programs and resources to support U.S. exporters with this issue, including engagement with foreign governments to resolve MRL trade barriers.

For more information about resources for U.S. exporters of fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, pulses and other specialty crops, visit https://fas.usda.gov/programs/assisting-specialty-crop-exports-asce-initiative.