Peru could export asparagus to the U.S. without quarantine treatment on arrival if the prospect is proven viable by a government study, website Andina.com.pe reported.

Peru’s National Agriculture Sanitary Service (SENASA) head Oscar Domínguez, told the website the risk analysis would begin in August and could take two years.

He said the project was important for reducing pest populations at the field level and would allow exports without fumigation, which would reduce costs for producers, the story reported.

Peruvian asparagus currently require methyl bromide treatment upon arrival in the U.S., which is its biggest market.

In other Peruvian news, Agraria.pe reported Walter Aguirre Abuhabda looks set to take on the role of agricultural minister when the new government comes into power on Jul. 28.

The potential appointment was positively received by the agricultural industry, including Inform@cción president Fernando Cillóniz and Peruvian Agro Institute director Ángel Manero.

"I have confidence that Mr Aguirre could have the stability of several years in office, to really make rural development arrive in the most remote zones of the country," Manero was quoted as saying.

"Aguirre has surrounded himself with businessmen and presidents of associations and agricultural cooperatives, I think it is healthy as the rural sector is the most needy and requires more attention," Cillóniz was quoted as saying.

Related stories: Peru accounts for majority of U.S. asparagus imports

Slight production rise expected for Peruvian asparagus in 2011