The Brazilian melon industry has taken a "necessary step" in its bid to gain access to the Chinese market, with inspectors currently visiting the country's northern growing regions.

In a release, Brazil's Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Supply (MAPA) said two specialists from China's General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine (AQSIQ) were conducting a visit from Jan. 25-28.

The mission involves visits to farms in the municipalities of Mossoró (RN) and Icapuí (CE), to speak with growers and phytosanitary authorities.

Brazil made its application for Chinese melon market access in 2013, and in a recent visit to China Brazilian Agriculture Minister Kátia Abreu raised the matter with AQSIQ Minister Zhi Shuping.

China accounts for 24% of Brazilian agricultural exports, mostly in soybeans and cellulose, and MAPA is forecasting bilateral trade will rise 18% by 2018.

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