US approves imports of Peruvian capsicums

The Government of the Unites States has modified its fruits and vegetables import requirements to allow the entry of Peruvian fresh capsicums into its market, Peruvian Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation (Minagri) reported.

Entering a country of nearly 320 million potential consumers is an important step to increase national agricultural exports.

Released in both countries last Friday, the protocol is a result of five years of coordination and technical cooperation between Minagri (through the National Service for Agricultural Sanitation – Senasa) and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).

The regulation states that capsicums shall be produced in compliance with the system that manages the entry of agricultural products into the United States, which regulates the control of fruit flies and technical inspections in cultivation sites and packing companies.

Shipments shall be accompanied by a Senasa phytosanitary certificate and an additional statement from the technical organization that guarantees the load as a dispatch that meets US import regulations.

The entry of capsicums will benefit La Libertad, Lambayeque, Piura, Ancash, Lima, Ica and Arequipa, regions where the said fruit is produced thanks to their climate and fertile territory.

At least 14,000 tons will be initially shipped in the next two years, that is, US$35 million in sales.

Source: andina.com.pe