In July of last year, a new protocol, called Systems Approach, was approved to import Chilean table grapes into the U.S. This new protocol replaced methyl bromide fumigation with a series of mitigation and inspection measures at origin. "The biggest benefit of this new protocol was for the cold chain to stay intact, resulting in fruit to arrive in the U.S. in better condition and with a longer shelf-life," says John Pandol with Pandol Brothers. This new protocol would enhance Chile's competitiveness in the U.S. market.
While not all grape growing regions in Chile were allowed to ship under the Systems Approach, it was celebrated with a big win after 24 years of field trials and negotiations. Grapes from Atacama and Coquimbo regions and some vineyards in the Valparaiso region, estimated to make up 20 - 30 percent of total production, were approved to ship under the Systems Approach.
© Pandol Brothers
Lawsuit
Quickly, the approval of this new protocol raised concerns with table grape growers in California as they felt fumigation was more effective and the Systems Approach increased the risk of invasive pests making their way over from Chile to California. Because of the size of California's table grape industry, there was a lot to lose. As a result, the California Table Grape Commission filed a lawsuit against the USDA to stop implementation and force further evaluation.
On September 30, 2025, the D.C. District Court reversed approval of the Systems Approach, but due to the government shutdown, it took until November 17 for APHIS to post an update, indicating that in compliance with the Federal Court order and pending further legal action, it will no longer issue import permits for grapes produced under a Systems Approach.
This means Chile will be required to utilize the previous fumigation requirement that was put into place over 40 years ago. "In the meantime, Chile will pursue an alternative protocol," mentioned Pandol. "However, this may take a while, and they may be back at square one for the time being."
© Pandol Brothers
Right: grapes displayed behind glass door with electronic shelf labels.
For more information:
John Pandol
Pandol Brothers Inc.
Tel: +1 (661) 725-3755
[email protected]
www.pandol.com
