The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has revealed it is amending the regulations for imports of Hass avocados from Michoacán, Mexico, into the US as of 29 November 2010.
The protocol will include the option to export the fruit (by land, sea, or air) in bulk shipping bins provided safeguarding is maintained from the packhouse to the port of first arrival in the US.
The USDA is also amending the regulations to allow avocados from multiple packhouses (that participate in the avocado export programme) to be combined into one consignment.
The USDA said it is taking these actions in response to requests from the Government of Mexico and inquiries from a US maritime port.
The move will allow additional options for exporting Hass avocados from Mexico to the US and allow Mexican exporters to ship full container or truckloads from multiple packhouses while continuing to provide an appropriate level of protection against the introduction of plant pests.
Currently, Hass avocado exports from Michoacn, Mexico, are allowed to enter all 50 USstates throughout the year.
Since there is no limit to the volume that may be shipped, market forces of supply and demand and the extent to which any maritime shipments are in addition to – rather than in place of – shipments by truck will determine the size of any market effects of the rule.
