China blocks Australian mung bean shipment over high glyphosate residues

Chinese officials rejected a consignment of ten containers of Australian mung beans because laboratory analysis detected glyphosate residues five times higher than the country's maximum residue limit. Paul McIntosh of the Australian mung bean Association and Pulse Australia explained that nearly all of Australia's mung bean harvest is desiccated with glyphosate, and premature application can leave residues that exceed export thresholds.

The Grains Research and Development Corporation warned that even correct usage can result in localized pockets of higher residue. With China tightening enforcement, exporter Clint Allenden is exploring alternatives like swathing, a mechanical drying technique. Early adopters such as Stewart Johnston report faster drying times, while others like Darren Jensen say terrain and equipment costs make swathing impractical for many farms. Industry observers suggest that as global residue limits become stricter, mechanical methods may become the new norm for Australian mung bean producers.