South African avocado growers are in negotiations with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) over phytosanitary arrangements that would allow them to export there.

The country is expanding its avocado plantations and is keen to add the U.S. to its current market of the U.K. and continental Europe.

South African Avocado Growers’ Association (SAAGA) chief executive Derek Donkin, said his organization had been investigating suitable treatments.

"The research is being done this side. For phytosanitary issues the USDA takes peer-reviewed information from reputable research journals, and this they generally accept."

He added it was unlikely that South Africa would gain access before 2014.

Donkin said if granted access he expected the first U.S. exports would be required to undergo cold treatment, similar to Peru's prior arrangement achieved in 2009.

He added after the first year of gaining access, SAAGA would ideally like to convince the USDA to switch to alternative treatment that was less "detrimental" to the fruit.

Peru's Hass Avocado Growers Association (ProHass) was  able to convince the USDA to allow exports without cold treatment in 2011, following research into alternative phytosanitary measures.

South African volumes this season look set to meet export predictions of 12.5 million 4 kilogram cartons (50,000MT) with eight million cartons shippped so far to the U.K. and continental Europe.

Shipments comprise 60% Hass and 40% green varieties, with the quality of fruit reported as particularly good.

"We have good climatic conditions, relatively dry and we have had a good crop with good set on the trees which translates into quality which we are very happy with."

Last season shipments were only 6.7 million cartons due to hailstorms during key growing periods. It's predicted next year's season will be 15% lower given avocados' alternate bearing patterns.

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