Generic blackberries

A delegation of technicians from China is due to visit Mexico to study the possibility of importing berries in the future. The Mexican Agriculture, Livestock, Rural Development, Fisheries and Food Secretariat said the mission would look at production, packing and food safety issues surrounding the cultivation of blueberries, strawberries, raspberries and blackberries.

Mexico is keen to boost exports to China and during a meeting between Mexican Agriculture Secretary Enrique Martinez and China’s ambassador to Mexico, Qiu Xiaoqi, both countries announced a mutual interest in forging closer trade links and increasing cooperation on research and technology in food and agriculture, it was reported by EFE. This follows a trip by Mexico’s president, Enrique Peña Nieto to China in April and visit by Chinese head of state Xi Jinping to Mexico in July.

During their negotiations, Martinez and Qiu discussed “food safety issues regarding fruit and vegetable products such as berries, avocados, mangoes, lemons and pumpkins”.