Peru one step closer to Chilean blueberry market access
The world's leading blueberry export nation could soon open its domestic market to a tough competitor.
Peru has seen a a string of new blueberry market openings over the last two years from Canada in September 2015 to China in November 2016, and more recently Brazil in April this year.
But yesterday marked a momentous occasion for the Peruvian industry, with the announcement a work plan had been signed with the country that arguably paved the way for Peru's blueberry export success.
Peru's National Agricultural Health Service (SENASA) announced the two countries signed the plan following technical visits from Chile's Agriculture and Livestock Service (SAG) to production sites in the areas of Virú and Chao in the department of La Libertad.
The development could provide a useful outlet for the Peruvian industry during periods of oversupply in Northern Hemisphere markets, but also has the potential to be a source of conflict with Chilean growers as has been the case with avocados.
In a release, SENASA highlighted SAG's visit also included inspections of avocado fields in the region.
The Peruvian Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation (MINAGRI) drew attention to exporters like Talsa, Camposol, Danper and Arato and how they had managed to reduce fruit fly populations towards their impending eradication.
The ministry said such an achievement in pest control would be advantageous for farming, allowing for further job creation.
SENASA continued to work with countries for more fruit export access openings, including South Korea, Japan, Malaysia and India.
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