A recent delegation from Japan’s Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) to the U.S. highlighted how the uniqueness of both the U.S. Federal Grain Inspection Service (FGIS) and the long-term relationship between Japanese customers and U.S. Wheat Associates (USW) can lead to positive outcomes in facilitating trade.
Under a system unique to Japan, MAFF – as a government agency – is the only entity that can import wheat without paying duties. MAFF then acts as a broker for Japanese flour millers. MAFF also sets the standard for quality testing, chemical residue testing and other purchase specifications. As a result, the relationship between MAFF and FGIS, as their main U.S. counterpart, is critically important to maintaining access to this mature, quality conscious and steady buyer.
A Collaborative Approach to Quality and Safety
The MAFF delegation traveled to the FGIS National Grain Center in Kansas City, Missouri, to continue a more-than-five-year long discussion on the testing standards for common mycotoxins in wheat. That effort has been extensive; including cargo surveys, development of more sensitive test kits, improvement in sampling methods and research teams on both sides of the Pacific Ocean. While a final outcome is still a couple of years away, the goal is to set new specifications that ensure public health, while also not encumbering global wheat trade – a key outcome for both U.S. farmers and Japanese flour millers who rely on imported wheat to meet the vast majority of their consumption.
The mission highlighted the uniqueness of FGIS and the research capabilities of the National Grain Center, where scientists of many stripes work to evaluate sampling methods, develop test kits and provide the backstop for field testing that is conducted across the country.
Planning for Future Collaboration
The MAFF team also took advantage of being in the nation’s heartland to tour facilities at the IGP Institute and Kansas Wheat Innovation Center (KWIC) in Manhattan Kansas. In addition to training facilities and short courses, the team discussed IGP’s ability to conduct flour milling research at commercial scale in the Hal Ross flour mill and learned about coming wheat breeding technologies.
“This visit was unique in many ways,” said Kazunori “Rick” Nakano, USW country director in Japan. “This mission brought two governments together, not to negotiate, but to work collaboratively in the interests of America’s wheat farmers and Japanese customers.”
“It highlighted the unique role of MAFF – both a primary importer of U.S. wheat, but also as a regulator tasked with ensuring public health. The team demonstrated how well the U.S. system of marketing and grading can work with our customers for the benefit of all involved.”
AloJapan.com