South African sources have cautioned that it will still take a considerable amount of time before it will be possible to export South African avocados to the US.
“We are about mid-way through a process which will take some time,” says South African Avocado Growers’ Association (Saaga) chief executiveDerek Donkin. “Previous experience has taught us not to get over-excited, but we are pleased with progress so far.”
Donkin says he would be pleased if South African entry can be finalised during the next three years, but warns that it may take longer.
“We have submitted all the information on our own research in terms of the cold treatments that may be required. This would indicate that cold treatment of around 2oC for between 18 and 20 days would be required to ensure proper phytosanitary control.
“We have done the research this side. For phytosanitary issues the USDA takes peer-reviewed information from reputable research journals, and this they generally accept.”
Donkin says South Africa regards entry into the US as strategic because it needs to diversify outside of its markets in Western Europe.
“The US market has grown significantly in recent years and it is a marketing region that we are obviously interested in.”
He says it will be good for South Africa to be in a major market where its competitors in Europe are present.
Peru has been a strong competitor for South Africa in Western Europe, particularly during the mid-season weeks in May and June.
South African growers are philosophical about the prospects of entering the US market soon.
They say it is normally a very difficult process to gain entry and more often than not the requirements for entry are pitched at such a level that it is extremely difficult to comply.
Citrus growers point to the fact that entry conditions make their programme to the US the most expensive to supply in there entire marketing programme, while apple and pear growers say the tough conditions is the only reason why hardly any apples and pears are exported to the US.
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