South America Calling

Brazil Tries to Smooth Way for China Corn Shipments

It isn't just the U.S. that is stressed about MIR 162.

Now that the country has finally started exporting corn to China, Brazil is also worried it will have its shipments rejected for containing the corn insecticide trait, more widely known as Viptera.

In an attempt to smooth the way for shipments, Brazilian Agriculture Minister Neri Geller plans to visit counterparts in Beijing in mid-November, local daily Folha de S. Paulo reported.

Brazil and China signed a sanitary agreement in November 2013, which opened the way for corn exports to the Middle Kingdom for the first time. But a long period of consultation over traits meant China only gave the green light to Brazilian corn shipments in March and the first commercial shipment was only sent in September.

The first shipment has been tested to ensure it doesn't contain Viptera and should encounter no problems at port, but Brazilians are nervous about the reception of future cargos as the MIR 162 trait has been employed widely in Brazil for a number of years. China has not approved Viptera.

Brazil hopes to eventually send up to 10 million metric tons (mmt) of corn to China each year.

(AG)

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