Government does not yet have a solution for CIPC

The government understands the current and threatening situation surrounding chlorpropham (CIPC), but it does not yet have an immediate solution. This is apparent after an initial consultation with the arable sector. In the meantime, there is a fire letter with the European Commission about the need for a temporary MRL.

Representatives of the arable sector (cultivation, trade and processing) sat on February 13 around the table with a delegation from the Ministries of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality and the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport, and the Ctgb. The topic of discussion was the sprout inhibitor chlorpropham (CIPC), which has been banned in Europe since 1 January 2020. A disaster scenario threatens the potato sector if no measures are taken before the 2020 harvest. That is to say: if the maximum residue limit (MRL) will soon be set at 0,01 ppm, approximately 50% of the potatoes cannot be processed.

That scenario has been discussed. André Hoogendijk, director of the Branch Organization (BO) Arable Farming, speaks of constructive consultation. “We discussed the importance of a temporary, workable MRL. As well as the importance of alternative treatment for export. There is understanding from the government for both. Not an immediate solution.” An alternative retention method for export depends on ongoing research being conducted by the NAO. For the temporary MRL, it is now up to EFSA, the European Food Safety Authority.

Letter on behalf of Copa Cogeca
The need for a temporary MRL has been raised by LTO Nederland with the European Commission. A letter was sent on behalf of the European umbrella organization Copa Cogeca in which the importance for the continuity of the potato industry throughout Europe is underlined.

According to Hoogendijk, the government thinks along with the sector. “The chain is making a considerable effort itself and that is being seen. There is also a positive response to BO Akkerbouw's chain collaboration with LTO, NAV, NAO and VAVI. We will meet again in the second half of March with the same delegation to discuss progress. Food safety is top priority for all parties. Within those frameworks, we are working on a solution that does justice to the problems for cultivation, trade, export and processing.

Jeanette Pennings

Jeannet has her roots in the flower bulb sector and she grew up on an agricultural company in the northern part of North Holland. As a generalist she reports for Boerenbusiness across all sectors. She is also exploring the possibilities of sponsored advertising.

j.pennings@boerenbusiness. Nl

© DCA Market Intelligence. This market information is subject to copyright. It is not permitted to reproduce, distribute, disseminate or make the content available to third parties for compensation, in any form, without the express written permission of DCA Market Intelligence.