The Government of the Unites States has modified its fruits and vegetables import requirements to allow the entry of Peruvian fresh capsicums into its market, Peruvian Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation (Minagri) reported.
Entering a country of nearly 320 million potential consumers is an important step to increase national agricultural exports.
Released in both countries today, the protocol is a result of five years of coordination and technical cooperation between Minagri (through the National Service for Agricultural Sanitation – Senasa) and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).
The regulation states that capsicums shall be produced in compliance with the system that manages the entry of agricultural products into the United States, which regulates the control of fruit flies and technical inspections in cultivation sites and packing companies.
Shipments shall be accompanied by a Senasa phytosanitary certificate and an additional statement from the technical organization that guarantees the load as a dispatch that meets US import regulations.
The entry of capsicums will benefit La Libertad, Lambayeque, Piura, Ancash, Lima, Ica and Arequipa, regions where the said fruit is produced thanks to their climate and fertile territory.
At least 14,000 tons will be initially shipped in the next two years, that is, US$35 million in sales.
Peruvian Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation Juan Manuel Benites met with Edward Avalos, Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs at the United States Department of Agriculture, and his delegation in order to discuss the entry of additional Peruvian products into the US market.
Benites said his sector is intended to step up efforts that open up new markets to Peruvian agricultural products, which will result not only in greater agro exports but also in an improved quality of life for small rural producers.
(END) JCC/JCC/RMB/MVB
Published: 9/11/2015