Southern Hemisphere apple exporters will not yet have to compete with China in the lucrative U.S. market, but bilateral agricultural talks on the subject has begun, according to the U.S. Apple Association (USApple).

USApple said the Obama Administration has given China a list of 60 plant pests and diseases that have been found on Chinese apples, marking the start of an ‘active process’ with goals to eventually allow the apples into the U.S. market.

Last year 31 U.S. House and Senate members voiced a letter of concern about the associated dangers of importing Chinese apples.

“Given China’s extremely poor track record of preventing the export of exotic insects and plant diseases into other countries – and its ability to supply large amounts apples to the U.S.at prices below the cost of production, any decisions with respect to allowing fresh Chinese apples into the U.S. must be deliberate and cautious,” the letter said.

USApple president Nancy Foster has also called for greater access to the Chinese market for U.S. apples.

“We recommend that, as feasible, APHIS (Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service) pursue opportunities to gain market access for additional U.S. apple varieties. China allows a range of varieties from other countries and the U.S. produces varieties sought by Chinese consumers,” she said.

Source: www.freshfruitportal.com