Egyptian officials over the weekend denied there had been any disagreement regarding what level of the fungus ergot they would permit in wheat imports. Egypt's supply and agriculture ministry’s held a joint press conference Sunday. Pro Farmers First Thing Today reports the officials were assuring exporters that they would accept all shipments with less than 0.05 percent of the fungus. However, after recent contradictory statements as well as rejections of wheat shipments due to the presence of ergot, traders are hesitant to believe the statements. Regarding the French wheat rejection, both ministers said the shipment contained ergot levels above the international standard of 0.05 percent though they said they were unable to say what level had been present. Some traders noted they wanted the quarantine authority to comment to show that everyone is on the same page. Others have said they wish to see an official document on the policy. Wheat traders boycotted a tender by Egypt to purchase wheat last week for fear of rejections due to ergot contamination.
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