CHILE PERMITS IMPORTS OF OREGON, IDAHO FRUIT

CHILE PERMITS IMPORTS OF OREGON, IDAHO FRUIT    The Chilean government has agreed to allow imports of Idaho and Oregon grown apples and pears, which could result in more than $1 million per year for these state’s fruit industries.
   “It was important to work with Chilean officials to establish a process based on sound science that allows U.S. growers to export pears and apples from these states,” said U.S. Agriculture Secretary Ann M. Veneman, during a four-state trip.
   Veneman said the fastest growing export sectors during the past 20 years has been high-value, consumer products such as fruits and vegetables, meat, poultry and processed grocery products. The USDA estimates that export sales of these items will reach about $22.5 billion this year.
   “Trade Promotion Authority is essential in order to effectively pursue trade reform, thereby gaining greater market opportunities abroad for U.S. products,” the USDA said. “TPA is also important to ensure that we are not excluded from the fast-growing, lucrative markets in Latin America and Asia.”