The recent ruling by the Federal Court of the District of Columbia in the U.S., which revoked APHIS's authorization for the Systems Approach to export Chilean table grapes, has raised concerns within the national agricultural sector. Nevertheless, agricultural representatives from the Aconcagua Valley have urged calm and trust in the robust technical and scientific basis underpinning the country's phytosanitary system.
The unions and research centres in the region emphasized that this incident underscores the importance of maintaining active and coordinated technical diplomacy with U.S. authorities. They agree that Chile has been a pioneer in applying integrated approaches to mitigate phytosanitary risks, and that the Systems Approach represents a sustainable model aligned with global goals to reduce chemical use and the agricultural carbon footprint.
Renato Ripa, an agronomist and PhD in entomology from the University of London, called the resolution "regrettable." He emphasized that the Systems Approach results from collaborative efforts between authorities of both nations to mitigate the quarantine risk linked to Lobesia botrana and the red vine spider mite. "Control methods for both pests have been developed to achieve eradication levels in export production, including highly accurate monitoring techniques that confirm the absence of these pests in exported fruit. All these measures are tied to strict protocols that must be followed during production and export," he stated.
Ripa hopes that the validity of USDA authorisation can be argued in some cases.
Pilar Larral, founding partner of the Biocea Centre for Applied Entomology, emphasized the extensive experience Chile has gained in phytosanitary control. "In Chile, the agricultural sector and research institutions have long been working to assess and reduce the risks of quarantine pest entries. We have certifications for low-prevalence orchards, ongoing monitoring, Lobesia botrana trapping, strict inspections, and comprehensive risk studies. The Systems Approach has demonstrated its effectiveness, and protocols like the citrus protocol have been successfully implemented for years," he stated.
Larral also argued that the judicial decision "ignores a long-standing technical and scientific process" and added: "It is unfortunate that a decision based on many years of binational cooperation, research, and adherence to international standards is being described as arbitrary. Chile has acted professionally, ensuring pest-free fruit through inspections both in the field and at the destination."
Marcela Carrillo, the manager of Corfo's Transforma Fruticultura Sustentable de Valparaíso (PerfrutS) program, emphasized the importance of staying united and working together amid the evolving situation.
The sector's representatives clarified that the ruling does not lead to an immediate halt in exports, as procedural steps and potential appeals are still pending.
Source: losandesonline.cl
