The recent ruling suspended US imports of Chilean grapes without need for fumigation
Frutas de Chile has welcomed a decision by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to appeal a recent ruling by a US federal court that revokes the authorisation of imports of Chilean grapes under the Systems Approach.
On 30 September, the Federal Court of the District of Columbia suspended the protocol, reinstating the requirement for all imports of Chilean grapes to undergo fumigation.
In his judgement, judge Ali said that in authorising the Systems Approach in 2024, Aphis had failed to adequately consider alternative pest mitigation methods, did not provide the full data for public comment (only summaries), and did not fully assess the potential impact on domestic growers.
Following news of the appeal, Frutas de Chile’s president, Iván Marambio, said: “This measure reaffirms that the protocol is a strictly technical instrument, supported by scientific evidence, and highlights the coordinated work that the USDA/Aphis and the Chilean Agricultural and Livestock Service (Sag) have carried out for more than two decades, under standards recognised for their rigour, transparency, and effectiveness in phytosanitary matters”.
Marambio noted that the Systems Approach has allowed Chile to guarantee optimal phytosanitary conditions and high quality standards for table grapes from Atacama, Coquimbo, and Valparaíso to enter the US – the main destination for this fruit, which accounts for approximately 50 per cent of total shipments – without the need for fumigation, thus strengthening the sector’s competitiveness in its most important market.
“Due to the significant impact this measure has on economic activity and regional employment, Frutas de Chile will continue coordinating and evaluating the next steps with all stakeholders, from both the public and private sectors, with the goal of ensuring the continuity of the protocol and the normal operation of the season,” Marambio stated.
The appeal opens a 90-day period in which the USDA will present the arguments for the decision made in 2024, which paved the way for this new protocol after more than 20 years of discussion between the US and Chile.
