Sen. Chuck Grassley today continued his efforts to ensure that soybeans and soybean meal coming into the United States is safe from rust.
In a letter to United States Department of Agriculture Secretary Ann Veneman, Grassley expressed concern that soymeal would be free from rust spores after traveling from the processing facility to the place of export.
In January, Grassley also sent a letter to Veneman asking what steps would be taken to prevent the accidental introduction of rust from imports of soybeans or soybean meal.
Here is today's letter.
March 23, 2004
The Honorable Ann M. Veneman
Secretary, U.S. Department of Agriculture
Room 200A Whitten Building
12th Street & Jefferson Drive, S.W.
Washington, D.C. 20250
Dear Secretary Veneman:
Earlier this year I sent a letter to you asking what steps would be taken to prevent the accidental introduction of rust from imports of soybeans or soybean meal. You have yet to send me a formal response to my letter, but I know USDA has been working hard to address the potential liabilities associated with soybean related imports.
In the last few days I have learned that a U.S. company announced it has contracted for 100,000 tons of soymeal from Brazil for an August-September delivery. I have no doubt that soymeal is rust-free after being subjected to heat treatment which kills rust spores, but I want more assurance that secondary contamination will not occur in transit or loading of the meal. Due to the fact that rust spores are often air-born, what steps are being or will be taken to protect against air-born contamination?
Contamination through transportation must be addressed in an open and transparent fashion before we import Brazilian soybeans or soybean meal. Once we're clear on the transportation issue the Agriculture Department will have the confidence and support of soybean producers nationwide.
I look forward to your response and thank you in advance for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Chuck Grassley
United States Senator