New Zealand persimmon shippers may soon have a major new market open to them by way of the U.S., as authorities propose allowing imports. 

The U.S. Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has published a proposed ruling that would allow shipments of the orange-colored fruit under a systems approach.

Under the regulations, all orchards and packhouses would have to be registered with New Zealand plant health authorities, and the fruit must be treated with either hot water or modified atmosphere before shipping.

The persimmons must also meet requirements for orchard pest control, post-harvest safeguards, fruit culling, and the ability to track back shipments to the farm where they were grown.

APHIS has opened a public comment period running until Oct. 25, 2016.

In October last year, New Zealand persimmon shippers also gained access to the Thai market, after the Asian country opened its doors for a range of fruit including apples, avocados and kiwifruit.

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