Jan Timmermans: Chinese market open September
"Export of Conference pears to China only for absolute top growers"
Pear growers wishing to export to China, have to apply through an exporter or their sales organization. Plot observations are made and growers must keep detailed records. The Chinese authorities have nineteen pests and diseases classified as quarantine pests, including codling moth, blight and some storage diseases. Crop advisors will audit the protocol three times per year.
"It is possible that only Dutch growers who are registered will be acceptable for Chinese export. Growers must be GlobalGAP certified and registered with a cooperative or exporter, who must also be a registered packing station or store. Therefore areas and plots must be declared before March 1st and there must be falling off in the orchards," said Timmermans.
"First there was talk that the whole area must be 'pest free', but that has been reduced and now just affects the orchard. Should any bacteria be found then the grower has to close for the whole season and the same applies to fruit damage. There are are still some ifs and buts for export. It is not that everyone will export, and to my knowledge there are no restrictions on volume, but not everyone can meet these strict controls."
Growers who are interested to participate can obtain further information from an exporter or marketing organization or an information afternoon or evening can be organised for them.
More information:
C G Timmermans & Son
Veensesteeg 15
4264 KG Veen
+31(0)416-691232
www.timfruit.nl
[email protected]
