Argentine pears

Brazil could be about to lift its ban on imports of Argentine topfruit, according to unconfirmed reports.

The Argentine government said there were “encouraging signs” that restrictions would be eased following a visit by Brazilian plant health inspectors to Mendoza, Neuquén and the Rio Negro last week, according to a report in Diario Uno de Argentina.

In March, Brazil’s agriculture ministry ordered the immediate suspension of imports of Argentine apples and pears following the discovery of codling moth in consignments hailing from the Uco Valley in Mendoza.

The ban has effectively paralysed shipments from Mendoza has Brazil is its only market. Producers in Neuquén and Rio Negro have the option of exporting to Russia.