Grain exports to non-EU countries – Confirmation from the French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety (ANSES - 28 April 2023)

Over the last few weeks, the French government and many businesses that export French grain have expressed concern about the decision made by the French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety (ANSES) last October to change the conditions for the use of products that protect stored grain. These new conditions ran the risk of cutting off exports to certain countries beginning on April 25.

On April 21, ANSES confirmed that it would be possible to export grain to non-EU countries that require that grain be treated by phosphine. In doing so, ANSES adapted its marketing authorization for these products on the basis of an EU regulation designed for such cases.

The authorization specifies that the product may be applied in direct contact with grain that will be exported to non-EU countries that either require or accept this treatment. This decision guarantees export continuity and makes it possible to meet demand from countries for which these products are essential to food security.