The US Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA-APHIS) has announced that it is set to allow the entry of Chilean-produced grapefruit and sweet oranges into the US, but only under certain conditions.
'A great deal of effort by both sides was needed, but we have finally achieved a protocol that will permit Chilean exporters to ship their citrus to the US market, which complements the off-season supply and provides for year-round citrus availability,” said Ronald Bown, chairman of the Chilean Exporters' Association (ASOEX).
For fruit to be eligible for import, both fruits must be accompanied by an import permit and must undergo cold treatment if they are grown in areas of Chile where Mediterranean fruit fly (Medfly) is known to occur, as well as being accompanied by documentation certifying that the fruit was treated in Chile.
Additionally, the fruit must be treated with methyl bromide or produced in accordance with a systems approach – a set of plant health procedures designed to reduce the risk of introducing foreign pests into the US.
The commodities will have to be accompanied by a phytosanitary certificate signed by the National Plant Protection Organisation of Chile, stating that an inspection has taken place and that the fruit is free of pests, the USDA said.
Conditions for entry are the same as those already in place for Chilean clementines, mandarins and tangerines.
The final rule will be effective on 7 May. During this 30-day period, the final definition of all operational procedures for the systems approach will take place.
Chile's sweet orange harvest is expected to begin in June, and will be followed by grapefruit in August. The weather conditions so far suggest good volumes and excellent quality, according to ASOEX.
