Authorities agree on the market access protocol, concluding more than a decade of negotiations
Korea’s Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (MAFRA) has announced that Korean persimmons have gained access to China after 17 years of negotiation.
A memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed between the two countries at the Korea-China summit on 1 November. Korea first requested access in 2008, and the country’s Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency (APQA) has developed science-based pest management measures to satisfy quarantine arrangements.
As part of the export requirements for Korean persimmons, orchards and packing facilities must be registered, pest monitoring must be conducted and specific quarantine-related information must be included on the phytosanitary certificates.
APQA plans to swiftly implement the required export measures, including the training of growers to lay the groundwork for export expansion.
”The conclusion of this quarantine negotiation will serve as a new stepping stone for Korean persimmon farmers seeking new export markets. We will continue to actively identify promising export items and pursue strategic quarantine negotiations to expand exports and open new markets for Korean agricultural products,” said Korea’s minister of agriculture, food and rural affairs Song Mi-ryung.
The Korea Persimmon Association also welcomed the agreement and said it would help increase growers’ incomes.
