The US Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has proposed changes to fresh produce regulations to allow imports of fresh apples from China.
The proposed amendments state that apples from areas in China free from Oriental fruit fly would be allowed to be imported as long as the orchards and packinghouses are registered, the fruit is inspected at set intervals by China’s quarantine organisation and the fruit is packed, labelled and imported in commercial consignments.
For areas known to be at risk from Oriental fruit fly, APHIS recommends that apples follow these protocols and undergo additional fumigation treatment as well as refrigeration.
In terms of the effects on the domestic apple industry by the proposed changes, APHIS said an estimated 10,000 metric tonnes of apples would be imported from China annually, the equivalent of 5 per cent of US apple imports or 0.44 per cent of US domestic apple supply in 2012.
“While China’s interest in obtaining market access to the US for its apples is a recognised concern of the US apple industry, the industry is challenged by relatively flat domestic apple consumption,” stated APHIS in its submission to the US Federal Register, adding that the limited effects of the proposed changes would be borne primarily by Washington and Californian apple growers.
“The industry’s growth can be fostered through expanded global trade. Given APHIS’ determination that the proposed rule will not result in significant adverse impacts on plant health, the proposed rule could provide additional trade opportunities for the two countries.”
The proposed amendments follow a request by China’s national plant protection organisation to allow apple exports to the US, which led to APHIS assessing the pest risk of apple imports, published in June 2013.
According APHIS, apples are the second most popular fresh fruit for consumers and third most valuable crop produced in the US, with the US the world's second largest apple producer after China, which leads in production, consumption and exports of apples.
Submissions to APHIS concerning the proposed amendments are open until 16 September.
