Peru: Citrus, avocado and grapes to be shipped to Japan in 2015

The negotiations for the export of cold-treated Peruvian Hass avocados, citrus and grapes to Japan from 2015 should finish this year, as reported by Jorge Barrenechea, head of the National Agricultural Health Service (Senasa).

As a result of cooperation since 2011 between the Association of Peruvian Citrus Producers (Procitrus) and Senasa, a joined investment of over 1 million dollars was made (70% from producers; 30% from Senasa) to conduct cold treatment tests with several citrus and table grape varieties and ensure both products are free of fruit flies.

"Japan is a very strict market when it comes to authorising the entry of certain products," explained Barrenechea. He also stated that the process will be supervised by a Japanese representative, who will "verify that the test treatments have been carried out before the export of grapes and citrus to the Asian country."

Regarding Hass avocados, he pointed out that a 2 million dollar project has been conducted in partnership with the Association of Hass Avocado Producers (ProHass) to confirm that avocados are free of fruit flies.

In this sense, the departments of Ica and Arequipa will be declared free of the pest after four years without any cases. Moquegua and Tacna are the other two regions which already have this distinction. Other areas will continue being monitored through Senasa's Program for the Eradication of Fruit Flies.

Source: Agraria.pe