New database provides global perishable compliance standards

A NEW online database on maximum residue limits (MRL) for agricultural chemicals has been established to help South African fresh produce exporters comply with global standards. It's been developed by Agribusiness Systems International (ABSi), under the direction of the South African Pesticide Initiative Programme (SAPIP) in partnership with the Department of Agriculture and the European Union. All relevant plant protection products (PPP) and their legal limits in the EU and South Africa are listed on the database which includes 78 insecticides, 6 5 fungicides, four herbicides and six growth regulators. There is reported to be a steady increase in overseas demand for subtropical fruits and small vegetables grown in South Africa. The database is seen as an important tool for small scale and emerging farmers who want to gain access to the global marketplace. Not only will they have access to international standards, but they will be able to effectively prove that they are adhering to responsible crop protection practices. ABSi says the new database also offers a selfassessment questionnaire to help growers assess the best PPP to use for each specific crop, and the legal limits for each product depending on the recipient country. Read more on their website www.absi.co.za .