A USDA delegation will visit the country to audit farms and packing plants, in the final step before authorizing the entry of the fruit into the US market.

Guatemala is getting closer to exporting Hass avocados to the United States market. The Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Food (MAGA) confirmed the upcoming arrival of a delegation from the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), whose mission will be to audit the producing farms. This inspection represents the final technical step before officially authorizing exports.

According to the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Food (MAGA), two key requirements remain to complete the process: the signing of the operational plan, reviewed by the Plant Health Directorate of the Vice Ministry of Agricultural Health and Regulations (VISAR), and the signing of a cooperation agreement between the private sector and APHIS. The plan includes phytosanitary requirements such as the absence of the Macrocopturus aguacatae beetle, the main pest of concern for the crop. It also stipulates that an updated list of participating farms and packing plants must be submitted every October 1st.

Currently, 28 farms and eight packing plants are registered as candidates to join the program. The National Avocado Association (Anaguacate) will coordinate the field audit in conjunction with U.S. inspectors. During their visit, the technicians will tour the production areas and packing plants involved. For Guatemala, entering the U.S. market represents a strategic opportunity to expand the reach of Hass avocados, which are already successfully exported to destinations such as the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Spain, Germany, France, Canada, and Central American countries.

Source: freshplaza.es