The resumption of Argentine lemon exports to the US moved a step closer following a visit by US inspectors to growing areas in north western Argentina last month.
A team of monitors from the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) visited production sites in Tucumán, Salta, Jujuy and Catamarca and met with officials from Argentina’s plant health authority, Senasa, and a number of exporters to agree a working plan in preparation for the reopening of the US market.
“Now we have to wait for the US to initiate a 90-day public consultation period during which stakeholders from both countries will have the opportunity to comment on the proposed import rule,” Romain Corneille, president of quality seal All Lemon, told Fruitnet.
“There’s no doubt that we are much further down the line and a crucial part of this has been the scientific work done by Argentina to demonstrate the quality and safety of our fruit.”
