Chilean grapes, figs and lemons may receive expanded trade access to the United States, according to an announcement from the South American nation's Ministry of Agriculture.

Official from the Livestock and Agriculture Service (SAG) met with members of the United States Department of Agriculture this week and requested approval for a systems approach to the fruit.

In practice, the new protocol would ease import requirements and facilitate market access.

Agriculture minister Luis Mayol explained that a key reason for the request is the absence in many Chilean regions of Lobesia Botrana, or the European grapevine moth.

Regions III (Atacama) and IV (Coquimbo) have no reported cases of the pest, while other regions report extensive efforts to prevent population growth.

"We hope that in regions where we don't have the Lobesia Botrana problem that we'll be able to count on this system for grapes as well as lemons and figs," Mayol said.

According to the Chilean ministry, North American officials seemed open to the fruit proposal.

Suggestions were also made on exporting live animals and pet food from Chile to the United States.

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