The California Specialty Crops Council will present the issues critical to the successful trading of U.S. agricultural products during a one and one-half day workshop, June 3-4, in San Francisco, Calif.

The agenda will address the U.S. pesticide registration process, maximum residue level (MRL) regulations of importing countries (Canada, Japan, Australia, European Community, Russia, Taiwan, others), phytosanitary (SPS) issues, and methyl bromide regulations.

The major goal of this outreach conference is improved coordination of research and regulatory activities for exported commodities.

Workshop highlights include:

• Trade Outlook, Steve Shnitzler, USDA-FAS Office of Science and Technical Affairs

• Overview of MRL development, Dan Fay, Valent USA Corp.

• The international registration process, Lois Rossi, U.S. EPA Registration Division

• MRL database and demonstration, Sven-Erik Nielsen, Bryant Christie, Intl.

• Codex alimentarius process, Ian Reichstein, Australian Natl. Residue Survey

• Canadian MRLs: Harmonization and prioritization, Jason Flint, Canadian PMRA

• EU and Russia: The evolving regulatory framework, Frédéric Rosseneu, Freshfel Europe

• Japanese MRLs: Issues and concerns, Steve Wixxom, U.S. Embassy in Tokyo

• Taiwan MRLs: 2009 Minor Crop Farmer Alliance (MCFA) delegation to Taipei, Mike Willett, NW Hort. Council

• Australian MRLs/residue testing, Ian Reichstein, Australian Natl. Residue Survey

• Global minor use summit and pilot MRL harmonization project, Jason Sandahl, IR-4/USDA-FAS

• Methyl Bromide: Allocations, quarantine pre-shipment (QPS) update, Ed Ruckert, Crop Protection Coalition

• Pest prevention and new electronic phyto certification system, USDA-APHIS

• MRL implications for IPM decision making, Walt Bentley, Entomologist/UC IPM Coordinator

• Grower and pest control adviser panel

The workshop is designed for all interested growers, commodity groups, pest control advisers, packer-shipper organizations, registrants, and regulatory personnel.

A total of 6.5 CUEs have been applied for from the California Department of Pesticide Regulation, including 5 hours of laws and regulations.

Space is limited and a pre-registration fee of $240 is required by May 27.

The meeting will be held at the Holiday Inn Fisherman’s Wharf from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m., on June 3, and from 8 a.m. until noon, on June 4.

All meeting information, on-line workshop registration, and hotel information can be found online at California Specialty Crops Council.

For more information, call the California Specialty Crops Council at (559) 688-5700.