The two sides exchanged decisions on approving the use of the active ingredient Metsulfuron methyl to replace Glyphosate - Photo: CHI TUE

On the morning of January 24, the Plant Protection Department  (Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development) and the Australian Embassy in Vietnam held a ceremony to announce a new phytosanitary treatment measure for cut flowers exported to Vietnam. Australia.

Deputy Director of the Plant Protection Department Nguyen Thi Thu Huong said  Australia has been a traditional market for Vietnam's export flower products for the past 23 years and has grown continuously in recent years. Every year, Vietnam exports to Australia nearly 30 million decorative flowers/leaves, earning 5.2 million USD/year.

However, from June 31, 2021, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development takes effect, stipulating that pesticides containing the active ingredient Glyphosate cannot be used, traded or imported. Therefore, flower export to Australia has been delayed because this country does not accept the sterilization of flower stems with active ingredients other than Glyphosate.

In order to remove difficulties and obstacles for businesses and avoid causing disruptions in the supply chain of cut flowers for export to Australia,  the Plant Protection Department has actively coordinated closely with cut flower production units to completed the experiment to search for active ingredients to replace Glyphosate that is allowed and meets the regulations of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development. 

"The Plant Protection Department made efforts to negotiate and exchange information with the Australian Department of Agriculture and Water Resources. As a result, the two sides reached an agreement on an alternative active ingredient, Metsulfuron methyl, to treat cut flowers. exported to Australia after only 6 months of testing and carrying out the necessary procedures," Huong said.

Mr. Tony Harman, agricultural counselor, Australian Embassy in Vietnam, said that Vietnam is currently the first and only country approved by Australia to use the active ingredient Metsulfuron methyl to replace Glyphosate. 

"Over the past time, the Plant Protection Department has cooperated closely with us; thanks to that, Vietnamese businesses can resume exporting cut flowers to Australia faster than expected and faster than current regulations. Australian practice. 

Normally, we need at least 12 months to complete the necessary procedures for the approval of an alternative active ingredient," emphasized Tony Harman.

Active ingredient Metsulfuron methyl replaces Glyphosate in the treatment of cut flower sprouts exported to Australia - Photo: MV

A representative of the Da Lat Flower Association, a representative of Da Lat Hasfarm Company, said that Australia's acceptance of a new phytosanitary treatment measure for cut flowers exported to this country is "very good news" for businesses. , who grow flowers at the end of the year and welcome the new year.

Representatives of businesses expressed their gratitude for the active and effective support of the Plant Protection Department and the Australian Embassy in Vietnam, and pledged to strictly comply with regulations to soon return cut flowers. Australian market.

According to Deputy Director of Plant Protection Department Nguyen Thi Thu Huong, Australia's approval to use the active ingredient Metsulfuron methyl to replace Glyphosate from March 1 will open up opportunities to export cut flowers to other markets and export. many other agricultural products.

In the future, the Plant Protection Department will continue to work with Australia to expand other active ingredients to replace Glyphosate, on that basis, diversify phytosanitary treatment measures and increase opportunities for the flower export industry. of Vietnam. Along with that, the department will work with a number of countries, including New Zealand, to expand the export market of cut flowers.