October 10 2002, 18:47 APK-Inform

Brazilian authorities confirm they found in Ukrainian grain Alternaria Triticina

Brazilian Embassy in Ukraine issued a press-release October 10 concerning the ban for imports of Ukrainian grain.

The document reeds that the 82,000 tonnes of Ukrainian grain will stay in holds of the vessels that have delivered it to the ports of Fortaleza and Salvador until they are treated with methyl-bromate - a chemical substance, used to eliminate plant fungal diseases. After chemical treatment the Ukrainian wheat is to be subjected to phyto-sanitary tests again in the laboratory of Agriculture Ministry.

The decision was taken by Department of plant protection at the Ministry of Agriculture to prevent ingress of Alternaria Triticina, so far unknown on Brazil's territory.

The above fungus was detected in a sample, taken from the first of the five vessels that had delivered Ukrainian grain to port of Fortalesa on October 2. On the same day Brazilian Ministry of Agriculture notified Ukrainian Embassy in Brazil that all vessels, loaded with Ukrainian grain before October 3, were to be treated with methyl-bromate, irrespective of sample analyses results. After that phyto-sanitary tests were to be repeated.

As for the grain, shipped out after October 3, its entry onto Brazilian territory would become possible only if it is accompanied by properly issued legal documents, stating that all responsibility for risks is born by grain supplier.

The press-release emphasises that according to regulations of Brazilian phyto-sanitary service, any imported product, contaminated with fungi, is to be returned to the site of its origination or terminated, even if its treatment is possible. Brazilian government has made an exception for Ukrainian wheat owing to current grain shortages in Brazil.

The document also states that such a decision has also been promoted by the fact that Ukraine is considered a strategic trading partner to Brazil. Government of Brazil is interested in expansion of Ukrainian imports, which is associated with an opportunity of corresponding increase in exports of Brazilian goods to Ukraine.