9/10/09

U.S. toughens conditions on the import of Spanish tomatoes

The U.S. administration has tightened the conditions for tomato imports from France, Spain, Morocco and Algeria. This is reflected in a federal ruling of February 23, published by Fepex, the association of Spanish exporters of fruit and vegetables.

The new legislation aims to prevent U.S. entry into the so-called "tomato leaf miner." One of the new requirements is that, before being shipped to be United States, tomatoes must be treated with methyl bromide. This treatment can only implemented through a previously implanted program. Any country that wants to establish this program should contact the Department of Quarantine Analysis Policy which depends from the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service of the USDA.

Spanish exporters have already met with the Spanish Ministry of Environment, Rural and Marine Affairs to convey the need to provide the needed materials, in a position shared by the representatives of the tomato producers from autonomous communities, also present at the meeting. For Fepex, these requirements will further restrict the already limited Spanish exports to the United States. Currently only tomatoes produced in the provinces of Murcia and Almeria can be exported to the US, as well as in the municipalities of Carchuna and Albuñol (province of Granada) and for a limited period of time.