Nogales celebrates arrival of Mexican avocados
February 2, 2005
Due to changes in regulations from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the first loads of Mexican avocados are preparing to cross the border through Nogales, AZ.
On Nov. 30, the USDA announced the expansion of the Mexican avocado program, allowing avocados from approved municipalities in the state of Michoacan into the United States during all 12 months and into all states except California, Hawaii and Florida.
The new regulations became effective Jan. 31.
?The FPAA argued then as it does now that there can be a workable avocado export program that would not present a legitimate pest risk to U.S. producers," said Lee Frankel, president of the FPAA.
The FPAA supported the avocado growers in 1995, testifying on their behalf with the U.S. government. Now the association has cause to celebrate as loads begin arriving at local warehouses for the first time.
?We are extremely happy to see the Mexican growers? hard work has paid off and that they can start coming through Nogales," said Mr. Frankel. "We strongly believe the change in regulations is fair for the growers and is a positive step in eliminating unfounded trade barriers disguised as pest issues. These types of non-tariff barriers serve to hurt exporters in both countries."
Mexican avocado growers have planned ahead for their year-round shipping season. They will continue with an ongoing consumer support program managed by the public relations firm Lewis & Neale as well as with merchandising and advertising activities for retail and foodservice customers.
On Nov. 30, the USDA announced the expansion of the Mexican avocado program, allowing avocados from approved municipalities in the state of Michoacan into the United States during all 12 months and into all states except California, Hawaii and Florida.
The new regulations became effective Jan. 31.
?The FPAA argued then as it does now that there can be a workable avocado export program that would not present a legitimate pest risk to U.S. producers," said Lee Frankel, president of the FPAA.
The FPAA supported the avocado growers in 1995, testifying on their behalf with the U.S. government. Now the association has cause to celebrate as loads begin arriving at local warehouses for the first time.
?We are extremely happy to see the Mexican growers? hard work has paid off and that they can start coming through Nogales," said Mr. Frankel. "We strongly believe the change in regulations is fair for the growers and is a positive step in eliminating unfounded trade barriers disguised as pest issues. These types of non-tariff barriers serve to hurt exporters in both countries."
Mexican avocado growers have planned ahead for their year-round shipping season. They will continue with an ongoing consumer support program managed by the public relations firm Lewis & Neale as well as with merchandising and advertising activities for retail and foodservice customers.
