Brazil reopens to Argentine pome fruit
Brazil has reopened its doors to Argentina's apple and pear exports after a three-month hiatus, following a series off intense negotiations.
The Brazilian Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Supply (MAPA) first banned the products in late March, citing numerous detections of the codling moth.
Shipments are now able to resume, under the condition they are subject to eight weeks of cold treatment at 0°C (32°F).
"This is fantastic news for the producers and packers in the regions of Río Negro, Neuquén and Mendoza," Argentine Minister of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries Carlos Casamiquela said.
The Minister also highlighted that Argentine authorities would be carrying out far more rigorous checks on the produce being shipped to Brazil.
Companies that previously sent two or more shipments with fruit that was found to have the codling moth pest will not be eligible to export their pome fruit to Brazil for the rest of the season.
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