Uruguay's Agricultural Minister Tabaré Aguerre will lead a delegation of citrus farmers visiting the U.S. in the next few weeks, in a bid to renew exports, website Federcitrus.org.ar reported.

One of the key aims of the trip is to negotiate a trade and investment framework agreement (TIFA) as a first step towards doing business with the U.S. after a 14-year absence.

The Ministry of Livestock, Agriculture and Fisheries (MGAP) sees the  U.S. as a key market where it will be able to command good prices for its produce.

It also reported that citrus producers were on track for complying with new regulations for all of the country's orchards to be grown purely from certified seed plants from 2013.

MGAP figures show that last year Uruguay exported 150,000 metric tons (MT), worth US$85.7 million with Europe and Russia as the main importers.

The country exports nearly half of all its citrus produce which comprises 48% orange, 39% tangerines, 12% lemons and 1% grapefruit.

Photo: Lookfordiagnosis.com

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