Vienna, VA – The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) announced today that China has agreed to allow all apple varieties produced in the United States access to the Chinese market. The agreement was finalized during bi-lateral negotiations in San Francisco last week but comes after years of work. Expanding market access to China has been a top priority for U.S. Apple Association (USApple) as directed by the Board of Directors.
“Our growers produce premium-quality apples of many varieties, and this year’s record crop makes it even more exciting to see a new export market open up. But, what our industry has had to do—and will need to continue doing—is assure those growers’ best interests are considered both abroad in new markets like China and here in the domestic market where other apples could in turn be brought in,” said Jim Bair, President and CEO of U.S. Apple Association (USApple).
The decision will be effective in about 45 days and allows direct shipment of all U.S. varieties from all states. A U.S. apple industry coalition including USApple, Washington Apple Commission, Northwest Horticultural Council (NHC), Northwest Fruit Exporters and U.S. Apple Export Council has long worked to assure that U.S.-grown apples would be allowed equal access: Chinese access to the U.S. market was in final negotiations and is also approved by the agreement.
Red and Golden Delicious varieties from Washington received import approval in October, 2014, after having been closed out for two years. Since those varieties are declining in production, achieving full access for all varieties from all states was a critical achievement for U.S. growers.
One of the greatest concerns among U.S. growers regarding imports has been the potential introduction of foreign pests and diseases into our orchards. Nearly 15 years ago, USApple and NHC formed the Tree-Fruit Technical Advisory Council (TreeTAC), a coalition of expert scientists from the top-producing states charged with safeguarding the U.S. tree fruit industry from potential pest and disease threats. The TreeTAC scientists reviewed China’s import request at every step in the lengthy process to ensure U.S. growers would be protected.
About USApple
The U.S. Apple Association (USApple) is the national trade association representing all segments of the apple industry. Members include 40 state and regional associations representing the 7,500 apple growers throughout the country, as well as more than 400 individual firms involved in the apple business. More information on the organization is available at USApple.org.
Source: The U.S. Apple Association (USApple)