Peru could soon be exporting mangoes to South Korea and asparagus to China following a visit by plant health inspectors from both countries to the Andean nation last week.
A delegation from South Korea’s Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency (QIA) travelled to key mango production areas to inspect farms, packing facilities and hot water treatment plants.
According to Peru’s Agriculture Ministry (Minagri), the Korean government is now expected to officially clear imports from Piura, Lambayeque, La Libertad, Cajamarca and Ancash.
Meanwhile, members of China'sGeneral Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine (Aqsiq) carried out a similar inspection of asparagus farms and packhouses in La Libertad and Ica.
Although the import protocol for asparagus shipments to China was signed in April 2013, it could not be ratified until the inspection visit had been carried out.
Carlos Zamorano of Peruvian Asparagus and Vegetable Institute (Ipeh) said China has the potential to become the second biggest destination for Peruvian asparagus after the US.
