Berry producers from Jalisco and Michoacan are preparing the first shipments of raspberry and blackberry, and according to the sector's estimates, will be exported to China before the end of January.
Technicians from Senasica are performing inspections to verify that the orchards and coolers comply with the Phytosanitary Export Requirements Protocol, stated the Ministry of Agriculture.
In Michoacan, the Senasica has registered to date, 504 hectares of blackberries and 150 hectares of raspberry, 11 cooling facilities and a total of 10 companies to start exporting berries to China.
In Jalisco, SAGARPA registered 58 hectares of blackberry and 427 hectares of raspberry, 5 cooling facilities and 3 companies.
Additionally, Senasica specialists are offering the companies and local boards of Plant Protection, technical training on good agricultural practices and proper use and handling of agrochemicals.
They also provide producers with a list of pesticides authorized in Mexico for growing berries and they will also work with the companies on how to monitor products so they comply with the maximum residue limits for China.
The work is carried out with producers in the municipalities of Zamora, Jacona and Reyes (Michoacán), and in Jocotepec and Ciudad Guzman (Jalisco), from where the berries are exported.
The Chinese General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine (AQSIQ) recently told Senasica that the entry authorization of Mexican raspberries and blackberries to China had been published in the Official Journal.
Mexico's berry production generates 100,000 direct jobs per season, an estimated volume of 464,977 tons and revenues estimated at $800 million in 2013, according to the National Association of Exporters berries (Aneberries).
Source: economiahoy.mx