The Secretariat of Agriculture, Livestock, Rural Development, Fisheries and Food (SAGARPA) stated that the municipalities of Patzcuaro and Jimenez, in Michoacan, were free from the large avocado seed weevil (Heilipus Lauri), the small avocado seed weevil (Conotrachelus avocado Y C. perseae) and bone borer moth (Stenoma catenifer).
According to a press release, the phytosanitary status of the areas devoted to avocado in Mexico was strengthened and national and international trade of this product was boosted through an agreement signed by the head of SAGARPA, Jose Eduardo Caldaza Rovirosa, and that was published in the official journal of the Federation (DOF) on Friday.
The agreement was issued after technicians from the National Health, Food Safety and Quality Service (SENASICA) found no presence of the pest concerned in the municipalities of Patzcuaro and Jimenez, Michoacán.
Among other benefits, the strengthening of the phytosanitary status includes the elimination of phytosanitary restrictions for the national mobilization and export to other countries of the avocado produced in the area.
This achievement is the result of a joint effort between the federal government, the state government, and local producers who performed the required procedures, according to current regulations, to eradicate these pests.
The Delegation of SAGARPA in Michoacan and the experts from the Directorate General of Plant Health from SENASICA found that the municipalities complied with the phytosanitary regulations issued by NOM-069-FITO-1995, "for the establishment and recognition of free zones," and NOM-066-FITO-2002, "Specifications for phytosanitary management and mobilization of avocado".
The document also establishes the phytosanitary measures that need to be implemented to maintain and protect the free zone from the avocado seed borers, as established in the aforementioned official Mexican standards. The Agreement entered into force on the day following its publication in the Official Gazette.
Source: quadratin.com.mx