On Wednesday, March 28, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), through its Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), announced that Hass avocados from Guatemala have met the necessary quality assessment criteria. A public comment period will be opened before authorizing their export to the United States.

The USDA's APHIS has completed its analysis of the phytosanitary risks involved in importing these Guatemalan avocados.

According to APHIS, the most effective strategy for ensuring the safe importation of this fruit is a systematic approach. In addition, some low- to medium-risk pests were identified that require special management to avoid unacceptable consequences.

“The Hass avocado introduction system is based on establishing pest-free areas for fruit production,” explains the APHIS document. “This avoids the need for post-harvest treatments and ensures phytosanitary safety.”

The Guatemalan National Plant Protection Organization must develop an operational plan that follows APHIS guidelines for monitoring and supervising Hass avocado exports. Each exported fruit must be traceable from its origin to its arrival in the United States.

Currently, Mexico leads as the largest exporter of avocados to the United States, accounting for 90% of imports, followed by Peru with 6.4%, according to USDA data. Over the past four years, U.S. imports of fresh avocados have averaged US$2.9 billion annually.

Source: Fruit Portal