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| Horticultural & Tropical Products Division | Return to the H&TP Home Page |
August 10, 2001
Spanish Producers Push for Extension of EU Tree Nut Improvement Program
Under EU regulation 2145/91, a tree nut varietal improvement program for Spain, and other member states, has been in effect since 1991. Due to expire last year, the Commission approved a one-year extension in the face of extensive pressure from Spain. Under the program, Spanish almond and hazelnut growers have been eligible to receive payments of up to 475 Ecu/hectare. Spain’s government has noted that as many as 140,000 families derive income from nut farming; with many of these living in some of Spain’s poorest areas. At a recent EU Agriculture Council meeting, Spain’s Minister of Agriculture argued for yet another extension of the program. In response, Commissioner Fischler stated that the Commission will study social, economic and environmental problems that could be caused by the suspension of the aid and will bring forth proposals to address them, if necessary. Spain is the world’s second largest producer and exporter of almonds after the United States. Spain is also a significant market for U.S. almonds, with U.S. shipments valued at $65 million in CY2000.
New Organic Legislation in Poland Requires Import Certification
On March 16, 2001, the Polish Parliament approved legislation on organic farming requiring all organic products to obtain a certificate of compliance for production and trade within Poland. According to this legislation, which goes into effect October 1, 2001, imported products, including those which have been certified by EU institutions need to be re-certified in Poland. Once Poland enters the EU, products certified in the EU will no longer require re-certification. The Polish Department of Agriculture estimates that there will be 10,000 organic farms in Poland by 2009, accounting for only 0.5 percent of agricultural land, but 10 times the current number. Part of the reason for this increase is the current government subsidies which allow for up to $150 per hectare of organic production. In addition, the cost of certification is partially subsidized. Organic farming is the only agricultural sector in Poland that receives direct financial support from the government.
Chile Approves Imports of Apples and Pears from Oregon and Idaho
Chile recently agreed to allow imports of apples and pears from Oregon and Idaho. Before this decision, Chile only allowed apples and pears from the state of Washington. Access for the three states is limited to approved production areas with no apple maggot quarantines in place. This new market opportunity is expected to eventually result in combined Oregon and Idaho apple and pear sales of $2 million annually. USDA continues to work with Chile’s Ministry of Agriculture for access for apples and pears from California. In marketing year 1999/2000 (July-June), Washington state apple shipments to Chile totaled 129 tons, valued at nearly $50,000. A lower Washington state apple crop, higher prices, and a stronger U.S. dollar vis-a-vis the Chilean peso limited shipments to Chile last season.
Public Hearing on Mexican Hass Avocado Imports
APHIS is hosting four public hearings this month to address the proposed rule on the import of Mexican Hass avocados. The hearings will be held in Colorado, California, Florida, and Texas. Under the current regulations, fresh Hass avocados grown in approved municipalities in Michoacan, Mexico, may be imported into 19 Northeastern States and the District of Columbia from November through February. The proposed change would extend the shipping season to include March and April and distribution to twelve additional states. In 2000, the total value of imported Mexican avocados was $31 million. Distribution of Mexican Hass avocados to any new States would not be allowed until after finalization of the rule.
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