The Colombian Agricultural Institute, ICA, confirmed that, after having worked with producers in various regions of the country for over eight years, Colombia would be sending their first shipment of avocados to the US market in six months.
To date, all that's missing is for the US government to publish the approval of the requirements, followed by the compliance of the latest controls in the exporting areas, most of which are concentrated in the department of Antioquia.
"Sending Hass avocados to the United States is a priority for the national government. We are at an important point because we have met many of the requirements of the US Government. We are in the final stage, i.e. the monitoring stage. We only need that the US government allows our avocado to enter the market," said Luis Humberto Martinez Lacouture, general manager ICA.
Although exporters are happy with this good news. They are also cautious and think it would be more likely to happen within 9 months to a year.
Although exporters are happy with this good news. They are also cautious and think it would be more likely to happen within 9 months to a year.
In the past five years the country grew from 4,000 to 10,000 hectares of planted avocado, which has led to a 14% increase in avocado exports to the European Union.
Colombia currently exports 2,560 agricultural products to 281 countries and wants to obtain permissions so that it can place products such as avocado, citrus, and beef in more international markets.
Source: caracol.com.com