The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) approved the Cold Treatment Protocol required for the entry of fresh citrus fruits, blueberries and grapes from Peru by including three new Florida State ports starting October 1, Peru's Ministry of Foreign Trade and Tourism informed after learning the USDA's decision through its Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS).
The three new ports are Jacksonville, Tampa and Manatee.
It should be noted this request was approved since the pilot program for the entry of grapes and blueberries was accepted by the end of 2013, and that for Peruvian citrus fruits in 2014 through Miami and Fort Lauderdale (Florida), as well as Savannah harbor (Georgia).
According to the Peruvian Trade Office in Miami (OCEX Miami), the standards established by APHIS require the fresh fruits to enter the USA through ports located above the 39° latitude.
However, the Cold Treatment Project was aimed at allowing the entry of fresh and perishable products into the USA's market through Southern ports. Considering this, it would be possible to reduce the shipping time and final costs to be assumed by the consumer as well as to preserve the products.
Through OCEX Miami, Mincetur has boosted the Cold Treatment Protocol before it was launched in 2012. Likewise, it continuously supports the work undertaken by Miami's Port officials, industry leaders, State and federal representatives, such as the U.S. Agriculture Department, Customs and Florida Perishable Trade Coalition.
The exports of Peruvian grapes to the United States increased by 65% between January and July, 2015 compared to the same period in 2014.
(END) NDP/MVF/MVB
Published: 9/13/2015