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Weed Seeds in Soybeans Sent to China

Source credit: www.aphis.usda.gov

The Need for a Systems Approach

In 2016, China put in place a new grain import law to keep invasive weeds and other plant pests from entering their country. In 2017, they informed USDA that U.S. grain shipments, particularly soybeans, did not comply with the new law. They specifically cited increased detections of weed seeds. These weed seeds threaten U.S. access to China’s soybean market.

Soybeans are critical to the U.S. economy. Approximately 1 of every 3 bushels of U.S. soybean are shipped to China, making it the United States’ largest market for this commodity. In 2017, this export was valued at $12.4 billion, which is approximately 91% by value of all U.S. grains shipped to China.

The Systems Approach

The systems approach is a suite of recommended best practices that can help reduce weed seeds in soybeans on farm, at U.S. grain elevators, and at the point of export. APHIS worked with U.S. industry groups, other USDA agencies, and academia to develop the approach, which includes recommendations for integrated weed management, harvesting, and handling.  It also includes USDA and industry monitoring of foreign material and weed seed content in soybeans at grain and export elevators. APHIS and China’s national plant protection organization will evaluate the effectiveness of the systems approach in 2 years.

The systems approach is voluntary. APHIS encourages producers, handlers, and exporters to consider using those best practices that are appropriate for their geographic area and their farm or business operation.

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