California avocados begin entering Mexico

California avocados begin entering Mexico    Shipments of California Hass avocados have started to enter Mexico, the result of an agreement reached between the U.S. and Mexican government in September 2005.
   “Mexico’s decision to open its market to Hass avocados from California is great news for our growers,” said Agriculture Deputy Secretary Chuck Conner in a statement.
   “This action demonstrates Mexico’s commitment to trade based on internationally accepted scientific standards for plant health,” he added.
   Under the agreement, Mexico will import Hass avocados from certain California counties from packinghouses registered to export. The avocados must be free of stems, leaves and other plant parts and placed in properly marked boxes. A phytosanitary certificate verifying compliance with packing and shipping specifications must also accompany the avocados.
   For the first 12 months following the signing of the agreement, avocados originating in California may be distributed in all Mexican states except for Michoacan, Jaliso, Morelos, Puebla and Navarit. During this time, Mexico’s Secretariat of Agriculture, Livestock, Rural Development, Fisheries and Food will carry out an evaluation of the program with the cooperation of the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the industry. After 12 months, Hass avocados may be distributed to all Mexican states.
   The USDA has been negotiating with Mexico to open its borders to California Hass avocados since 1999. The agreement is expected to generate $6 million to $24 million for the California avocado industry, the USDA said.