Spain's Minsitry of Agriculture, Food and Environment (MAGRAMA) continues to prepare the necessary protocols for stonefruit growers to gain access to the Chinese market.

In a release, the country's Federation of Fruit, Vegetable, Flower and Live Plant Grower Exporter Associations (FEPEX) said the initial pest risk assessment for peaches and plums was sent to Chinese authorities in September 2011, and the ministry was still waiting for a response.

FEPEX said the lengthy paperwork involved has so far blocked Spanish fruit exports to the Asian giant. The Department of Customs and Excise Tax reports that Spain shipped no fruits or vegetables to China in 2011 and 2012.

For the representative association, China's phytosanitary barriers and complex compliance measures "mask an extremely effective protectionist policy", which has completely closed access while Spain's imports from China are growing.

www.freshfruitportal.com