China and the US are discussing a contra-deal that could see US pears gain access to the mainland Chinese market and Chinese Nashi pears gain access to the US as early as the second half of next year.
Officials from the USDA Animal Plant Health Inspection Service and China’s Administration of Quality Supervision Inspection and Quarantine met in Hawaii on 16-18 November, reported Capital Press.
During the meetings China indicated a willingness to open the market to US pears by late next year, said Mike Willett, vice president of the Northwest Horticultural Council, who was on hand at the meetings as a technical advisor.
US officials said the access process for Chinese pears would probably take longer, however, and was more likely in 2012.
“One would hope it would be more likely for 2012, but it’s hard to say until we know what the issues are,” Mr Willett told Capital Press.
For China, the agreement is likely to cover Nashi pears – known in the US as Sand pears or just Asian pears. The country already has access for Fragrant and Ya pears, which have been shipped in small volumes to the US for several years.
US pears currently enter China via Hong Kong, but direct access would truly open up the promising market, according to Kevin Moffitt, president of The Pear Bureau Northwest.
“I’m excited. This is one of the last big markets out there. It could turn into a top five or top 10 market very quickly with access,” said Mr Moffitt. “There’s some indication of movement of our pears into China through Hong Kong, so we think demand is there.”
Disease concerns have prevented access for the US up to now, specifically fire blight. But research over the last few years showing mature fruit cannot carry the disease have advanced the discussion.
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