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Management

Ministry of Agriculture & Fisheries - Mae de la Concha

Cash injection for Majorca's agricultural industry

The Spanish Ministry of Agriculture & Fisheries has announced that its investing €1,85 mln to stop the drop in production and sales of agriculture, livestock and fishing. The…

Australia

Queensland growers hope for openness in Paradise Dam debate

As the Building Queensland Report states that decommissioning of Paradise Dam is no longer being considered, Bundaberg Fruit and Vegetables Growers (BFVG) have urged the community to keep an open mind about the future of Paradise Dam, after the release of the Building Queensland report on the dam. BFVG…

Coronavirus transport measures

European Commission’s view on Mobility and Transport

The European Commission’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic prioritises keeping its European citizens healthy. This includes keeping essential transport moving, for example to…

AUSVEG Advocacy Activities 26 March 2020

AUSVEG has continued to engage with all levels of government including a recent update from Agriculture Minister David Littleproud which was positive. Essential ServicesAs per…

USDA announces prioritization for H-2A or H-2B workers entering US

United Fresh Produce Association applauds the administration for the announcement to ease restrictions on H-2A and H-2B employees that play a vital role in our nation’s food system. On March 26th, the U.S. Department of Agriculture on behalf of the federal government released updated guidance for both…

USDA files action against Ohio company for alleged PACA violations

As part of its efforts to enforce the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act (PACA) and ensure fair trading practices within the U.S. produce industry, the U.S. Department of…

Agro-food markets in Romania must remain open

Romania's agro-food markets must remain open in compliance with the same procedures and safety measures in supermarkets, said the Minister of Agriculture, Adrian Oros. The…

Freshfel Europe urges EU capitals to continue to welcome seasonal workers

As the effects of the COVID-19 outbreak continue to unfold across Europe, Freshfel Europe welcomes the discussions of the Informal Agriculture and Fisheries Council on free…

AREFLH asks that European Commission support EU produce industry

The AREFLH's member Regions and their Producer Organizations were numerous to meet by video conference on Wednesday 25 March for the preparation of a joint document to be sent…

Freshuelva and Fepex ask Europe for solutions to the crisis caused by COVID-19

Spain's berry sector urgently needs exceptional aid measures

Fepex and Freshuelva, Huelva's Association of Spanish Strawberry and Berry Producers and Exporters, stated that they trust the European Commission will activate as soon as possible the exceptional measures to help the berry sector face the crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic in the present campaign.…

Spain

Interfresa focuses on saving the blueberry campaign in Huelva

The strawberry campaign in the province of Huelva has been hit hard by the current crisis. Interfresa, the Association of Andalusian Strawberry Producers, has decided to focus its efforts on the blueberry campaign, which has become especially important in recent years, because of the impossibility of…

South American ministers coordinate a protocol to guarantee supply

Jorge Montenegro, the Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation of Peru, met online with his counterparts in Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay, Bolivia, Argentina, and Chile, to address issues related to South America's agricultural production, transportation, and food distribution to guarantee the flow of…

Supermarkets ahead of Amazon

Online service of Spanish supermarkets collapses in the face of an avalanche of orders

Those trying to do their groceries online these days are facing some challenges: inaccessible websites, out-of-stock products, lack of available timeslots for deliveries, arrival delays and even virtual waiting lines. In recent days, the unusual increase in the number of orders received by supermarkets…

ASOEX publishes the first report on the coronavirus in Chile

The Association of Exporters of Chile (ASOEX) prepared a report of the situation of the coronavirus in Chile to gather important information for the sector and to provide tools to deal with this exceptional situation. LogisticsASOEX reported that the Ports of San Antonio and Valparaiso were operating…

Germany and France require 500,000 workers

The EU has severe shortage of seasonal workers after closing its borders

The EU community agricultural sector will have to deal with the closure of the EU borders, as it will prevent access foreign labor to work in the harvest of different European countries, as they do each season. Germany and France alone need 500,000 temporary workers. Without the usual 10,000 Moroccan…

UK logistics industry calls for delay to Brexit

At this particular point in time, the UK logistics industry has urged the government to delay its departure from the European Union because it cannot prepare for Brexit while battling to get food and medical supplies into the country during the coronavirus pandemic.  The FTA, which represents members from the road, rail,…

PMA provides industry updates

US Department of State now processing seasonal worker visa applications

During these times of rapid change and uncertainty in the produce industry, and throughout the world, the Produce Marketing Association has been working to help alleviate some…

Taiwan and Saint Lucia work together to enhance fruit and vegetable market access

The Taiwan Technical Mission in Saint Lucia and the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Physical Planning, Natural Resources and Co-operatives met with farmers, hotels, and the Saint Lucia Marketing Board (SLMB) for reducing vegetable and fruit importation on the 3rd and 9th March recently. The Enhancement…

Chile will maintain current export conditions with the UK after Brexit

According to Ignacio Fernandez, the Commercial Director of ProChile in the United Kingdom, the bilateral association agreement with the United Kingdom approved by the Chilean Senate in 2019 in the framework of Brexit, contemplates the conditions of the existing Association Agreement (AA) between Chile…

Zimbabwe, Mozambique and Zambia

Controls hamper cross border trade

Yesterday, border posts were hanging on new rules distributed by Zimbabwe, Mozambique and Zambia as these were being formulated and border officers were awaiting instructions. At Kariba and Chirundu, vendors have been allowed to criss-cross the border using special passes, but now Zambia, which had…

No movement at the ports, no drivers for containers

India in lockdown, trade comes to a halt

India has taken its next step in fighting the coronavirus, as the Indian Prime Minister announced a 21-day lockdown, ending the 15th of April. The country was already on a curfew, but it seems all port activity has now been stopped and all international passenger airlines, which would also carry cargo,…

US nectarines obtain permission to enter Chinese market

According to the 'Treaty between the General Administration of Customs China and the US Ministry of Agriculture with regard to inspection and quarantine of US nectarine…

The AHEIA – a voice for Australian horticultural exporters and importers

There's never a dull moment for Australian horticultural exporters and importers. By its nature, the sector is at the frontline for all issues impacting the value chain pathway. Whether it be bushfires, drought, or complex supply chains overlayed by regulatory requirements, non-tariff barriers and…

The US confirmed it will inspect 100% of Mexican tomato exports

The manager of the IACHR, Mario Haroldo Robles Escalante, stated that despite the exceptional restrictions that the US government has imposed to stop the expansion of the coronavirus, the measure to review 100% of the trucks loaded with Mexican tomatoes that enter the United States, will continue to…

United Fresh urges Congress to take action to help food service distributors

In response to the devastating effects that have been felt by the food service sector due to the restaurant and school closures, United Fresh Produce Association has sent…

Growing cooperation in agriculture between Uzbekistan and The Netherlands

The Netherlands and Uzbekistan are excellent partners in many ways. As for agriculture both countries share a long tradition. Agro Food in particular is a priority sector of Uzbek–Dutch cooperation, and together with the Uzbek government, knowledge and research institutes, the private sector and with the…

Russian boycott not lifted

On Monday March 23rd, a message from the Russian news outlet TASS was published, which stated that the Russian embargo for certain products would be lifted for a month. GroentenFruit Huis (Dutch…

Norwegian growers fear food crisis

The new entry ban means that Norwegian growers are missing a lot of manpower. Now they fear that as a result there will be far fewer Norwegian grown fruit and vegetables in the shops this autumn. Elisabeth Gjems, director of Hedmark Bondelag: "At the moment, it is crucial for the work in the spring and…

South Africa's Western Cape to receive R25 million in drought support

Western Cape minister of Agriculture dr Ivan Meyer has expressed his gratitude on the news that the Western Cape will be receiving an additional amount of R25 million (€1.3…

Spanish industry asks for time to be able to meet the demand for organic phytosanitary products

The Business Association for the Protection of Plants (Aepla), which brings phytosanitary product manufacturers in Spain together, has asked for more time to develop organic…

Negotiations for the entry of Peruvian mandarins to India hit setback

The start of exports of Peruvian mandarins to India, which have already been approved at a technical level, has been hampered by India's request to open the Peruvian market to several Indian products that are sensitive to the country, stated the general manager of the Association of Citrus Producers of…

Western Cape to receive R25 million in drought support

The Western Cape minister of agriculture, Dr Ivan Meyer, has expressed his gratitude on the news that the Western Cape will be receiving an additional amount of R25 million…

Russia to lift all restrictions for import of basic goods for one month

Russia will lift all restrictions for imports of essential goods for one month starting Friday, Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin said opening a government meeting on Thursday,…

Measure due to coronavirus crisis

Dubai lowers import duties by 20% for the next 3 months

Dubai is to reduce its import customs duties by 20%. This is valid for the next three months. The ruling applies to all imported goods sold on the United Arab Emirates' local…

"The sector's work has been fundamental in this crisis"

Minister Planas praises the work of the agricultural sector to ensure the supply in Spain

Last Thursday, the Spanish Minister of Agriculture, Luis Planas, held a meeting by video conference with the regional Councillors of Agriculture in order to analyze the consequences of the coronavirus in the agricultural sector. The meeting served to highlight the solidarity and the need for…

Canadian government announces foreign workers exempt from travel ban

On Wednesday, March 18, 2020, CPMA, along with over 20 other agriculture organizations across Canada, submitted a Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) COVID-19 Agri-food Risk Management Plan to the Prime Minister’s Office. This plan supports the entry into Canada of temporary foreign workers, within…

Levy rates for 2020/21 approved by UK Ministers

Levy rates applied to farmers, growers and others in the supply chain for next financial year - from 1 April 2020 to 31 March 2021 - have been approved by UK Ministers.The GB…

Still: Backpackers increasingly desperate for work

Australian officials address pending labour supply shortfall

As the COVID-19 pandemic closed Australia's borders to foreigners, local farmers in Manjimup began seeing a rise in the number of backpackers desperately looking for work.…

Cloudy and cold days prevent situation from getting worse

Sharp drop of strawberry sales in Spain

Huelva's strawberry sector is being significantly affected by the coronavirus pandemic. In addition to the lack of laborers due to the closure of borders with Morocco, which…

Spain

Mobility of citrus fruit pickers slowly back to normal in Region of Valencia

The state of alarm decreed by the Government and the limited mobility have not made things easy for citrus fruit pickers working on farms in the Region of Valencia. Due to…

India: Maharashtra appoints farm trade representatives to helps growers

Nashik onion growers have always wondered how the onion they produce and sell at Lasalgaon’s market, fetches more than double that price for traders who sell in markets of…

Woodbridge farmer calls for asparagus harvest pickers

UK farmers call for 'land army' to sustain food production

UK farmers are calling for a 'land army' to sustain UK food production during the coronavirus crisis. Agricultural body leaders have raised concerns about a lack of available…

UGT warns of lack of measures at horticultural handling centers of Almeria

"There are entities with working shifts of up to eleven hours"

Several occupational risk prevention teams of fruit and vegetable handling centres in the province of Almería have contacted UGT to alert them about the lack of protective equipment and preventive measures to protect the workers. In a statement to Europa Press, the provincial secretary of UGT, Carmen…

Crisis management "from hour to hour" at the Berlin wholesale market:

"We're here, we'll deliver, we'll secure the supply."

It is beginning to arrive in Germany: The corona virus is here to stay and the measures will only get tougher. Nobody yet knows exactly how this will continue. At the moment, gastronomers in particular -and therefore the wholesale trade as well- suffer from the restrictions. The Berlin wholesale market is…

United Fresh works to minimize effects on produce industry during pandemic

The measures taken to prevent the rapid spread of the coronavirus differ per country, but most countries have felt the effects of these measures. In the United States, the United Fresh Produce Association has been working tirelessly to help alleviate the negative effects of these measures. Food supply…

Peru temporarily reopens its market to Chilean stone fruit

The National Agrarian Health Service (SENASA) of Peru has announced the temporary reopening for imports of Chilean stone fruit. Peru's requirements to carry out the commercialization of these fruits are the following: Only the packing plants registered by the Agricultural and Livestock Service (SAG)…

Border closures cause worries about temporary foreign worker shortage

In order to limit the spread of the coronavirus as much as possible, many governments have decided to close their borders to people who aren’t citizens or permanent residents. The produce sector, however, often relies on seasonal workers for labor and the border closures have created worries about…

Jorge Valenzuela, Fedefruta

"We are coordinating actions to ensure food supply in Chile"

Jorge Valenzuela Trebilcock, the president of the Federation of Fruit Producers of Chile (Fedefruta), issued a statement about the global and national emergency caused by the…

The US limits entry visas to foreign temps at a crucial time

The US government announced that starting Wednesday, March 18, it would suspend new applications for the H2A guest worker program, which allows foreigners to enter the United States to fill temporary jobs in agriculture. This announcement has been a severe blow for US fruit and vegetable producers, as it…

The devaluation of the real and the ruble complicate Argentine fruit exports

The financial crisis unleashed by the global coronavirus pandemic has reached the Argentine fruit sector of the Rio Negro Valley. This week, the Brazilian currency reached…

U.S. consular operations suspend routine visa services in Mexico

In response to the global pandemic COVID-19, and in line with the Mexican government’s call to increase social distancing, the U.S. Embassy in Mexico City and all U.S. consulates in Mexico will suspend routine immigrant and non-immigrant visa services starting March 18, 2020, and until further notice.…

New Zealand: Water use restrictions in Bay of Plenty

Dry weather conditions are putting Bay of Plenty Regional Council waterways under unusual pressure. The council says it is putting extra preparations in place to ensure the region’s waterways are well cared for if this summer’s dry weather continues. The council’s regulatory services general manager…

Agriculture Workforce Coalition calls for expedition of all agricultural worker visas

The U.S. Apple Association joined other national agriculture organizations calling on the State Department to expedite all H-2A and other non-immigrant agricultural worker…

USDA to start tomato inspections on Mexico-US border on April 4th

The U.S. Department of Agriculture issued a reminder that the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service will begin inspections of tomatoes coming into the United States from Mexico…

Sébastien Pelka, Direct Market:

“We must redirect local production to supermarkets that lack products”

“Local producers can play an important role in this time of crisis,” reports Sébastien Pelka of Direct Market. “The coronavirus has caused shortages in supermarkets for basic products, including fruits and vegetables. Supermarkets are struggling to get their supplies. At the same time, local producers…

Coronavirus update

“There will be no shortage of food”

As Emmanuel Macron announced the strengthening of precautionary measures to curb the spread of the virus, the fruit and vegetable sector is getting organized. As with many companies, teleworking is preferred whenever possible. On the French market at the moment, the sales of some products have…

Should borders be raised for Moroccan strawberry temps?

Different associations, such as Freshuelva, Interfresa, Asaja, and Cooperativas Agroalimentarias, carried out a crisis meeting to analyze the events that affect Huelva's berry sector, including the possible lack of pickers during the peak period of strawberry production and other berries, as well as the…

“The Greek government has been handling the situation very effectively”

The Greeks are taking measures to stop the spread of the COVID-19 virus as much as any European country. Although logistics might prove difficult, the expectation is that the fruit and vegetable sector will keep going, just as the general food sector will. Greece has also been dealing with the…

Fruitimprese data on the Italian trade balance for 2019

The balance of the fresh produce sector in 2019 stopped at €348.6 million against the €781.7 of 2018 (-55.4%). While imports exceeded exports when it comes to quantity (3.7 million tons against 3.6 million), the value of exports (€4.6 billion) remained above that of imports (€4.2 billion). This analysis…

Australia: Horticulture Industry Labour Agreement template now available

The Horticulture Industry Labour Agreement (HILA) template is now available. Growers can now access the agreement template to help with their applications for semi-skilled and skilled workers. The agreement includes 31 approved occupations relating to horticulture, including 16 new occupations which are…

Coronavirus

Fruit and vegetable sales are increasing, but not for all products

In this coronavirus outbreak, the sales of fruits and vegetables in France have become complicated. “The consequences are great,” reports José Illan, sales director of the Tresacois family farm. “Our kiwi sales are now being affected. We supply several schools, but since all the schools are closed,…

Serious shortage of workers for apple and kiwifruit harvest

The kiwifruit and apple industries are looking for New Zealanders to help fill labour shortages for this season's harvest, caused in part by the Covid-19 outbreak. Kiwifruit Chief executive of New Zealand Kiwifruit Growers, Nikki Johnson, said RSE workers arriving from the Pacific were not impacted by…

Regarding COVID-19 scare

US: National Grocers Association lauds Trump's coordination with industry

After participating in a call with President Trump, Vice President Pence, Secretary Mnuchin, Secretary Perdue and other White House officials on the Administration’s plans to…

Spain

"We may be short of workers to pick the cherries due to the coronavirus"

José Antonio Tierno Parral has been a member of the governing council of the Association of Cooperatives of the Jerte Valley for 22 years and has chaired the entity since February 28. In an interview with the news site Hoy.es, Tierno Parral took stock of the cherry campaign in Extremadura and the…

USDA finds individual responsible for PACA violations

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has found Nicholas Allen responsibly connected to Allens Inc., Siloam Springs, Ark. Allens Inc. failed to pay $9,759,843 to 40 produce…

Rudolf Sluimer, Flexivers

“Small hospitality companies are doing OK, but the large caterers are cancelling in droves”

Drastic measures have been introduced in Europe to try and contain the coronavirus. In the Netherlands, authorities had banned events of more than 100 people. People have been asked to work from home, if possible. Universities and colleges have been asked to offer online lessons instead of lectures. All…

State of disaster declared due to the damage caused by the brown marmorated stink bug

The brown marmorated stink bug infestation is a dramatic problem in northern Italy. On March 12th 2020, the government declared the state of disaster for the Lombardy, Friuli Venezia Giulia and Emilia Romagna regions. Checks are still being carried out in other regions, so other territories might be…

Chile plans to restore fruit trade with China to normal levels by the end of the month

Chilean fruit exporters are finding that their trade with China is gradually returning to normal, now that the outbreak of the corona virus is largely under control in China.…

Canada ratifies USMCA

The USMCA was ratified by the Canadian Parliament on Friday March 13th. Canada was the last of the three countries to ratify the agreement. Now all that remains is the formal approval by the…

Romanian police at supermarkets to control enforcement of measures against coronavirus

"Two joint teams, made up of representatives of the Public Health Directorate of Bistrița-Năsăud and the County Police Inspectorate of Bistrița-Năsăud, have been carrying out…

Taking a look at storage costings after CIPC

The removal of CIPC next season has pushed the burden onto other tools in the box. However, how cost effective these treatments are at current market prices is a question on…

"No workers means that fruit will not be picked"

The British government's new immigration plans could have far-reaching consequences for British growers. "No people means that fruit will not be picked," as strawberry grower Andrew Sturgeon vented his concerns in a segment in a Dutch news item recently. The UK wants to introduce an Australian-based…

British Growers comment on labour shortfall

Jack Ward, CEO of British Growers, has produced an open / letter cum briefing document for the industry and others outlining the issues created by the UK’s proposed…

British MPs to scrutinise 'Seasonal Workers' pilot scheme

The British parliament will be launching an investigation, looking into the impact and effectiveness of the two-year Seasonal Workers pilot scheme. The government plan, first announced in 2018, gives farming businesses the opportunity to employ migrant workers for up to six months. Lobby groups said the…

AU: Horticulture Industry Labour Agreement has been finalised

In 2019, Citrus Australia provided support to AUSVEG in developing a Horticulture Industry Labour Agreement (HILA), which was approved by the Department of Home Affairs, and…

Germany and Spain share their views about the future CAP

In the framework of the contacts made prior to the German Presidency of the European Union (EU) in the second half of 2020, the Spanish Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and…

Personal travel from Europe to US suspended for 30 days, trade should remain unaffected

On Wednesday, March 11th, President Trump addressed the United States from the Oval Office and revealed plans to ban travel from Europe to the United states. In the address, the president stated: “To keep new cases from entering our shores, we will be suspending all travel from Europe to the United…

Bushfire rebuild begins

APAL lobbying for a five-year rebuilding program to provide assistance

Devastating bushfires have caused extensive damage to the Batlow region, with Bilpin and Adelaide Hills growing regions also suffering. It is estimated the fires have caused…

Role of CAP Eco-schemes to incentivise sustainable farming practices in the EU

With the EU Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) currently being negotiated in EU institutions, Member States have begun to define their priorities through CAP Strategic Plans.…

Andalusian agricultural producers will block the Port of Algeciras on March 12

Under the slogan "Unfair competition, NO!", agricultural producers from all provinces in Andalusia will gather on Thursday, March 12 to block the terminal of the Port of…

South African Rand hits 40 year low, concerns about downgrading to junk status

The South African Rand hit a 40 year low yesterday, it had been falling gradually but took a tumble this week. This is attributed to the poor economy among other factors. There are fears that South Africa will be downgraded which means that there will no foreign investment in the country. Justin Chadwick…

Kenyan avocado bill not sweet enough

The Murang'a County Assembly has recommended the withdrawal of the contentious County Avocado Production and Processing Bill. Several members of the Agriculture committee want…

'Zero strikes' fruit fly community awareness campaign

South Australia still shows zero tolerance for fruit flies

The Marshall Liberal Government has launched a new 'zero strikes' fruit fly community awareness campaign to protect the state's farmers and keep South Australia fruit fly…

Reyes Moratal, manager of CVVP: "We have spent years fighting against its illegal cultivation in Spain and Portugal"

Elimination of first illegal Nadorcott plantations in Portugal

The first illegal plantations of the Nadorcott mandarin variety have been eliminated in southern Portugal. The Protected Plant Varieties Club (CVVP), which manages and defends this variety in Spain and Portugal, has received a financial compensation for the illegal exploitation of this mandarin. The CVVP…

Spain

Insolvency in large agro-businesses threatens to affect small firms

According to a recent study by the credit insurance company Euler Hermes, 34 insolvencies were registered last year affecting companies with annual revenues greater than 50…

'African Continental Free Trade Area'

Report shows significant gains from AfCFTA implementation in East Africa

The implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) in Eastern Africa could result in economic gains amounting to US$ 1.8 billion for East Africa. This would boost intra-African exports by more than US$ 1.1 billion, creating more than two million new jobs, according to a new report.…

Workshopping a road map for the next big vegetable trend

Healthy living and tailor-made diets are continuing to make their mark on Australians’ eating habits. In a strategic levy investment project funded by Hort Innovation,…

Spanish-French-Italian-Portuguese tomato group analyzes the market situation

The Spanish-French-Italian-Portuguese tomato group met last Friday via videoconference in order to analyze the market situation and make forecasts for the coming months, as…

"Many years of leadership experience combined with profound expertise"

Lidl board member Luncer becomes head of Real

The management positions at the recently sold Real retail chain are being filled. After an ex-manager of the Schwarz Group already filled a spot, another name from Neckarsulm…

Spain

Huelva's agricultural producers block A-49 motorway as part of their protests

Huelva's producers blocked the A-49 motorway between Huelva and Seville to demand measures to protect the future of both agricultural producers and ranchers, in the face of the delicate situation they are going through. The protest brought together thousands of agricultural producers from all regions of…

US officials to meet with Florida farmers about unfair trade practices from Mexico

Florida growers of fresh fruits and vegetables are primed to tell U.S. trade officials about the harm they have suffered from Mexico’s unfair trade practices over the past two…

More work to do to attract quality agricultural investment in Northern Australia

Agricultural development opportunities across Northern Australia are vast but a more targeted approach is needed to attract and support quality investment, according to a new…

South Africa:

Fruit industry leaders demand uninterrupted power during critical picking season

The Western Cape fruit industry contributes to rural development and transformation by creating in excess of 27 000 direct, on-farm jobs and a further 109 000 dependants who…

Cathy Burns, CEO of PMA: "Spain has everything it needs to play a leading role"

"We want to provide solutions to the great challenges of the Spanish horticultural sector"

European suppliers are expanding their presence in the global fruit and vegetable sector, with Spain at the forefront of this trend. Its productive and export potential stands well above that of other countries, such as Chile or South Africa. The emerging role of Spain as a global supplier is the result of…

"Voces Situadas" questions the conditions of Moroccan temporary laborers in Spain

Interfresa defends Huelva's berry sector from a new attack

On Thursday, March 5, an activity program entitled "Voces Situadas" was held at the Reina Sofía Museum, in Madrid. It served to address the situation of Moroccan women working in Huelva's berry campaign. The program included, among other activities, a round table in which the process of hiring at origin…

Peru establishes phytosanitary requirements for import of in vitro plants from Belgian musaceae

Peru's National Agrarian Health Service (Senasa) has established by means of a Direct Resolution the phytosanitary requirements of mandatory compliance for the importation of…

Complaints, sanctions, and reparations

USDA PACA restrictions update

As part of its efforts to enforce the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act (PACA) and ensure fair trading practices within the U.S. produce industry, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has…

FDA releases 2020 Leafy Greens STEC Action Plan

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration released the 2020 Leafy Greens STEC Action Plan, outlining steps the agency plans to take this year to advance the safety of leafy…

Increasingly more Moldovan producers interested in GlobalG.A.P. standard

Over 30 fruit and vegetable producers from the Republic of Moldova are taking part in training about the food safety requirements of the GLOBALG.AP and GRASP standards, which…

Back Picker app aims to connect Australian growers & pickers

It was David Fevaleaki’s upbringing in Robinvale (Victoria), where his parents have worked in table grape and almond farms for over 30 years, that helped him understand the problems surrounding  fruit farms labour hires. David has created the Back Picker app, which will be available on the app store for both…

Taiwan authorizes Peruvian blueberry imports

The Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Lima stated that Taiwan had authorized the importation of Peruvian blueberries through the official publication of “The Quarantine…

"Spanish strawberries rely on misery"

Le Monde reports on the living conditions of many seasonal workers in Huelva

On February 29, the French newspaper Le Monde published an article entitled "La fraise cultivée en Espagne pousse sur la misère", in which it described the conditions of seasonal laborers working in Huelva's strawberry sector. It recalled the statements that the UN rapporteur, Philip Alston, made last…

Morocco's new agricultural plan threatens the sale of Spanish citrus fruits

Markets currently closed to Spanish citrus fruits, such as the US, which maintains tariffs on Spanish fruits, or Russia, with a veto on imports from the European Union since August 2014, are established export destinations for Moroccan citrus fruits. In fact, in this latest campaign, Morocco has shipped…

Spain

Valencian agriculture in the spotlight of investment funds

The Valencian fruit and vegetable sector has aroused the interest of investment funds, especially as a result of the crisis, due to the business opportunities and the attractive profitability it offers. This has been stated by Neil Collen and Eva Rodrigo, partners of Livingstone; an international firm…

USDA files action against CA company for alleged PACA violations

As part of its efforts to enforce the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act (PACA) and ensure fair trading practices within the U.S. produce industry, the U.S. Department of…

The Coronavirus alert is wreaking havoc in the fruit and vegetable industry

"The Coronavirus crisis is unfortunately having a significant impact on companies in the fruit and vegetable sector. As a consequence, decisions and communications provided by national and regional authorities are creating a climate of uncertainty and fear in our country, but also among operators in other countries who benefit from Italian products". The Coronav…

Mexico will monitor US inspections of exported tomatoes

The new Tomato Anti-Dumping Suspension Agreement signed by Mexico and the United States in September 2019 contemplated the suspension of the 21% tariff on tomato exports but included the inspection of the quality of the product upon arrival in the United States, which will be in force as of March 2020,…

Federal Reserve cuts interest rates to battle COVID-19: US dollar drops

Since Tuesday, the US dollar fell across the board after the Federal Reserve cut interest rates in an emergency move designed to shield the world’s largest economy from the impact of the coronavirus. The Central Bank said it was cutting rates by a half percentage point to a target range of 1.00% to…

USDA allocates nearly $70 million to support 386 projects

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is allocating almost $70 million to support 386 projects under the Plant Protection Act’s Section 7721 (PPA 7721) program to…

US: Minimum hourly agricultural wage rates are highest in Washington and Oregon

The H-2A Temporary Agricultural Program provides a legal means to bring in foreign-born workers into the United States on a short-term basis. Workers employed on an H-2A visa may remain in the U.S. for up to 10 months at a time. Employers must demonstrate and the U.S. Department of Labor must certify…

New Zealand government offers financial help for growers affected by drought

Northland farmers and growers affected by the drought now have access to rural assistance payments to help ease financial pressures. Up to $500,000 has been made available for…

Enrique De los Ríos, General Director of the Spanish cooperative Unica:

"Spain is the world's leading fruit and veg producer, but it is not exercising that leadership"

In a meeting with the newspaper El Confidencial held in the framework of a food forum organized in Seville by Cooperativas Agro-Alimentarias de Andalucía, Enrique De los Ríos, General Director of Unica, one of the largest Spanish agro-food cooperatives and leader in the export of vegetables, with 500…

European delegation travels to Extremadura to learn about the reality of the Spanish fruit sector

A delegation from the European Parliament, accompanied by the Councilor of Agriculture, Rural Development, Population and Territory of the Government of Extremadura, Begoña García, and several general directors of her department, has visited the Tany Nature fruit and vegetable center of the municipality…

China will allow duty exemption for some US agricultural imports

The Customs Tariffs Commission of the Chinese State Council announced last week that, as of March 2, Chinese importing companies - which meet the requirements - may request tariff exemptions on imports from a list of 696 US products selected by the Commission. The fruit and vegetable products included in…

EU phytosanitary restrictions worry agricultural exporters in Honduras

The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock of Honduras (SAG) stated that the EU had restricted the import of 13 products, especially of oriental vegetables and even some coffee shipments, since the new phytosanitary regulation of the European Union, which entered into force on December 14, 2019, includes…

Europatat’s position paper on EU-UK Future Trade Agreement

Following the European Council’s green light to the opening of negotiations for a new partnership with the UK, Europatat has sent a position paper to the EU-UK negotiation…

Manual to safeguard workers on their farms

Ghana: Minister praises Banana Producers Association for OSH measures

Minister Ignatius Baffour Awuah -of Employment and Labour Relation- has praised the Banana Producers Association of Ghana for introducing an Occupational Health and Safety…

COAG analyzes the new Law of the Food Chain

"The new regulations legitimize perceiving prices below the production costs"

After a technical analysis of the urgent measures for the Spanish primary sector included in the Royal Decree Law approved on February 25 by the Government, the agricultural organization COAG believes that there are sections of the new Law of the Food Chain that legitimize perceiving prices below the…

Avocado importers from Costa Rica win a legal battle against the State

The Chamber of Exporters and Importers of Perishable Products of Costa Rica has reported that the Contentious Administrative Court issued a ruling in favor of Costa Rican…

Potato Industry 2020 to be held in Moscow, next June

From June 24 to June 26, 2020, the Potato Industry 2020 will be held at the sites of the All-Russian Potato Economy Research Institute named after A.G. Lorha ”and VDNH,…

'Sensible choices in a challenging environment'

The Minister of Finance, Tito Mboweni, made sensible choices to manage the government budget and support the economy. The budget highlights a renewed focus on the importance…

Johnson might seeks 'Canada-style deal' and ‘regulatory freedom’

UK considers walking away from June Brexit talks

Boris Johnson is asking the EU for a Canada-style trade deal but will consider whether to walk away from talks in June and prepare for an “orderly” exit from the transition period. Setting out its negotiating mandate for EU talks, Downing Street said it wanted “regulatory freedom” from the EU and would…

Spain

Nearly 400 tractors and 2,000 participants in Vinalopó table grape protests

Agricultural producers in the Vinalopó region have demanded a “Law of the Food Chain” and “Fair prices and a decent income for the sector”, in addition to water for the province of Alicante, a reduction in the price of insurance and tax benefits. This was done in a protest held on February 25, in which…

Romanian retailers no longer compelled to sell 51% local food

Romania is to amend the regulations that have compelled the large retailers on the local market to purchase at least half of the food they sell through the so-called “short distribution chain” - a provision aimed at securing fresh food produced by local farmers. The change was requested by the European…

Eastern Produce Council selects members of 2020 leadership class

The Eastern Produce Council (EPC) has chosen 20 up-and-coming produce professionals for its 2020 Leadership Class, a professional development experience for those with less than 10 years of experience in the industry. The respected program delivers a dual-medium learning environment. “The goal is to…

USDA determines individuals not responsibly connected to California violator

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has determined that Jay Pack was not a responsibly connected principal of Huxtable’s Kitchen Inc. (Huxtable’s), Vernon, Calif. This…

For fruit and vegetable growers

USDA extends harmonized GAP assistance program in 16 States

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has extended the USDA Harmonized Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) Assistance Program to remain available to eligible producers until…

Michigan is out of $2.3 mln as Cherry Growers Inc. folds

The state of Michigan is out nearly $2.3 million after it ran out of options to recoup a performance-based grant from a Northern Michigan company that folded. Cherry Growers,…

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