India issues six-month reprieve for Canadian pulse crops
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OTTAWA – Federal Agriculture minister Lawrence MacAuley is happy with a recent decision which will allow continued access to India for Canadian pulses. However, the trade issue is still a concern.
India has issued a six-month extension allowing Canadian peas and lentils to enter the country without first being treated for pests.
Pulse Canada C-E-O Gordon Bacon says the notice is a positive step, but that it’s still unclear whether Canadian exports will be exempt from a fine for not treating the shipments before export.
The dispute centres around India’s requirement that pulse imports be fumigated with methyl bromide before export. Pulse Canada says the fumigation treatment is not needed because the insects India is concerned about aren’t in Canada, and the cold winters help reduce the threat of other pests.
MacAuley noted in a statement that India has for years been allowing Canadian shipments to be treated on arrival rather than before shipping and talks on the issue will continue.
“Since 2004, India has granted Canada a series of exemptions to an import regulation regarding mandatory fumigation for pulses. Another exemption has been granted which will allow continued access to the Indian market for Canadian pulse exporters. Exports leaving Canada on or before September 30, 2017, will not require fumigation in Canada. We will maintain on-going trade while officials on both sides continue to work towards a long-term, systems-based solution.”
