The USDA has declared the central and southern oases of Mendoza in Argentina as a fruit fly free zone; paving the way for the resumption of fresh produce and wine exports to the North American nation.
Under the ruling, cherries, peaches, plums, pears, asparagus, garlic, onions, squash and other products have been granted fruit-fly free access, ProMendoza told Fruitnet.com.
The first shipments (since restrictions were put in place in 1995) are anticipated to get underway in January 2011.
Already, two local companies Carleti and Escartín Fresh Fruit have reportedly signed deals with US importers.
The region’s new phytosanitary status is long-awaited news for local producers, according to a statement by ProMendoza, since it removes the need for cold treatment before export, which will reduce costs and ease the logistics process.
A delegation headed by Mendoza Governor Celso Jaque travelled to the US earlier this month to promote the region’s produce offer and wine, which have in recent years lost out to Chile.
During the visit, 13 produce suppliers from Mendoza attended the PMA Fresh Summit trade show in Florida, on 14-17 October to showcase the region’s offer and promote investment opportunities among US companies.
